The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) has recommended that the Influenza vaccine must be given for children below the age of five. Now, in the era of Covid-19, this is more pertinent than ever.
Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children. The symptoms range from asymptomatic to mild viral fever,cough,worsening of pneumonia to life threatening pneumonia and have caused epidemics in the past like the swine flu epidemic and the bird flu epidemic. Children less than 5 years of age are more likely to get severe influenza infections.Yearly influenza vaccination provides protection to children against influenza and is the best way to prevent the flu and further complications. However, one must note that the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent your child from getting the flu, it definitely works to reduce the risks involved.
Dosage schedule
<1 year 2 doses 1 month apart
>1 year yearly dose
The yearly dose should be given 1 month before the onset of monsoon season.
Trivalent(covering 3 strains of influenza virus) and quadrivalent vaccines(covering 4 strains of influenza virus ) are available
One might also experience minor headaches, muscles and a mild fever. This will go away within 48 hours days at a maximum.
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