Get Your Annual Flu Shot Today in Scottsdale and Glendale, AZ

If you miss the October timeframe, it’s still beneficial to vaccinate your child later in the flu season. Even in January or beyond, getting the flu shot can still be beneficial, as some flu activity can persist into the spring.

While timing is important, remember that getting a flu shot at any time during the flu season is better than not getting vaccinated at all. Certain individuals, like young children, should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available due to the high risk of severe influenza complications. If you’re planning any family trips during the flu season, consider getting your child vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.

During a pandemic, public health recommendations might change, and vaccination may be advised at different times depending on the virus’s characteristics and spread. Flu vaccine recommendations may also change yearly based on the evolving nature of influenza viruses.

At KidsHealth Pediatrics, we’re here to guide you through your child’s health needs, including the timing of their flu shot. Stay updated with the CDC for the most current guidance on the best time to get a flu shot, and always consult with our pediatric healthcare providers regarding your child’s health needs.

There are several types of flu vaccines available, each designed to protect against the most common strains of the influenza virus. The most widely used flu vaccines include:

● Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV): This vaccine contains a killed virus, making it generally safe for children of all ages. It is typically given as an injection, usually in the arm, but it can also be administered through a nasal spray.
● Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV): If your child has an egg allergy, the Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV) might be the most suitable option.
● The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): contains a live but weakened form of the virus. It is administered as a nasal spray and is safe for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 49.

At our practice, we provide flu vaccines specifically tailored for children, ensuring they receive the most appropriate and safe option for their age and health condition. Our team makes the process as comfortable as possible for young patients, offering both injectable and nasal spray vaccines based on individual needs and preferences. We’re dedicated to protecting your child from the flu and helping them stay healthy throughout the season.

The flu shot doesn’t start working immediately. It usually takes about two to three weeks for your child’s immune system to develop antibodies to fight the influenza viruses targeted by the vaccine. This initial period provides partial immunity, reducing the likelihood of your child getting infected.

Peak protection is generally reached about four weeks post-vaccination when your child’s body has produced a robust antibody response. However, this means that your child remains at risk of contracting the flu during the initial two to three weeks after the shot. However, the flu shot is not a treatment for cold and flu and acts as a protection.

Each year, the effectiveness of the flu shot can fluctuate, depending on the match between the targeted influenza strains in the vaccine and the viruses circulating that season. In years where the vaccine is closely aligned with the dominant strains, it can provide up to 60% protection against symptomatic influenza and even more protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

The protection provided by the flu shot generally lasts for about four to six months. Over time, antibody levels gradually decline, and immunity wanes, which is why we at KidsHealth Pediatrics recommend your child receive a new flu shot each year to maintain optimal protection throughout the flu season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is generally safe and effective to receive the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine concurrently. This is a change from previous guidance, which suggested a 14-day interval between any two vaccines. This change was made based on substantial data collected on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

Benefits of Simultaneous Vaccination for your child:

● Saves time and reduces the number of visits to our pediatric clinic.
● May improve adherence to both vaccination schedules.
● Protects your child against both influenza and COVID-19, two prevalent respiratory viruses. The flu shot defends against influenza viruses, while the COVID-19 vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Both vaccines boost your child’s immune system’s ability to fight these viruses during the fall and winter months.

Safety Considerations:

● Studies have shown that there are no significant safety concerns when the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are given together to children.
● Some children may experience mild side effects from vaccines. In some cases, our pediatricians may recommend spacing out vaccines to better manage the side effects.

Possible Effects on Immune Response:

● There have been concerns that getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time might reduce the immune response to either vaccine.
● However, studies have not shown a significant difference in immune response when the vaccines are given together compared to separately.

Exceptions:

● If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to previous flu shots or COVID-19 vaccines, you should consult with our pediatricians before receiving either vaccine.
● If your child is currently experiencing a moderate to severe illness, our pediatricians recommend waiting until they recover before getting either vaccine.

At KidsHealth Pediatrics, we highly recommend simultaneous vaccination for both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine given the benefits and safety of this approach. However, it’s always important to consult with our pediatricians before making any decisions regarding your child’s vaccinations. For more information contact us today or book an appointment online. We have pediatric clinics in Scottsdale, and Glendale, AZ. We serve patients from Glendale AZ, Peoria AZ, Sun City AZ, Scottsdale AZ, North Scottsdale AZ, Grayhawk AZ, and surrounding areas of Phoenix AZ.