After Receiving the Flu Shot: How to Care for Your Child

The flu shot can help protect your child from getting the flu, which can make kids very sick. For the best protection, your child should get a flu vaccine every year. 

After getting the flu shot, some kids have mild side effects for 1 or 2 days, like soreness in the area of the shot, headache, achiness or a slight fever. These side effects aren't as bad as the flu, which can make people sick for as long as 2 weeks and can have serious complications.

• No special care is needed.

• If your child has pain at the site where the shot was given or has a fever, your health care provider may recommend acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin® or a store brand).

• Some children 8 years old or younger may need two flu shots about 1 month apart. Ask your health care provider if you should schedule a second vaccination appointment.

• Kids should get a new flu vaccine each fall, ideally before the end of October.

Your child:

• develops a rash

• has a lot of pain, redness or swelling at the shot site

Call 911 if your child has signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, paleness or feeling very weak or dizzy.

Who should get a flu vaccine? It is recommended that all kids 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine. It is especially important for some kids to get a flu vaccine because they're more likely to get very sick with the flu. This includes children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, kids with a weakened immune (disease-fighting) system, and those with an ongoing medical problem such as asthma or diabetes.

How does a flu vaccine help protect my child against the flu? The body responds to the flu vaccine by creating antibodies against the virus about 2 weeks after getting the vaccine. Antibodies are special proteins that lock onto germs to keep a person from getting sick. These antibodies help protect your child during flu season.

Can the flu shot give my child the flu? No, your child cannot get the flu from the flu shot. But the flu shot doesn't prevent every strain of flu. Kids who come in contact with a strain of flu that is not in the vaccine may become ill even though they had the flu shot.

Can my child get the nasal spray vaccine in the future? Yes, if it is appropriate for their age and health status. The nasal spray works equally as well as the shot and can be given to healthy children over 2 years old. It shouldn't be given to children with some medical conditions, like asthma or weakened immune systems. It should also not be given to children who will be around people with weakened immune systems.