Flu Vaccine
Influenza or flu vaccines protect your baby from infections caused by the influenza virus. Influenza outbreaks occur often and cause respiratory infections. These vaccines help to protect your baby and those around them from the flu. Since the virus changes almost every year, it is recommended that one gets the flu shot every year as the vaccine does not provide immunity for a long period.
Importance of the flu vaccine
All children who are over 6 months old should get this vaccination. This is because children below the age of 5 are at a higher risk of suffering from flu complications like high fever, convulsions and pneumonia. Regular flu shots are also recommended for children who suffer from chronic conditions like lung disorders or weakened immune system.
The flu vaccine is also suggested for pregnant women as well especially during the flu season. This is because an immunised mother usually helps to protect her baby against the flu for the first few months. The shot is safe for pregnant as well as breastfeeding mothers and is highly recommended too since babies below 6 months of age cannot get the shot and the antibodies from the mother get transferred to her baby through the breast milk.
