As the colder months approach, keeping your child healthy becomes a top priority. The flu can be more than just a seasonal inconvenience—it can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, especially in young children who can catch and spread flu easily.
The child flu vaccine offers a simple and effective way to protect your little one from the influenza virus while boosting their overall immunity.
The flu is far more than a bad cold—it can cause severe illness, particularly in young children and children of all ages with certain chronic health conditions. Vaccinating your child significantly reduces their risk of complications such as Pneumonia and severe dehydration.
The flu spreads quickly during flu season, but immunising your child:
Vaccination has historically wiped-out diseases like smallpox, and keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule helps control illnesses like flu.
The NHS offers the children's flu vaccine every year in the autumn months or in early winter.
Those who can receive it are:
Since the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective, getting vaccinated early and regularly is important.
The child flu vaccine needs to be updated every year because:
Keeping up with the yearly vaccination schedule ensures your child remains protected against the latest flu strains.
It’s common for children to experience mild side effects following immunisation.
These may include:
*Applies to the injected flu vaccination only.
If your child develops a fever, you can safely manage it with ibuprofen for fever, such as Nurofen for Children.
Ibuprofen in Nurofen for Children helps to:
If your child’s fever persists above 39°C or they seem very unwell, contact your doctor for further advice.
In addition to the child flu vaccine, supporting your child’s overall immune health is essential for flu season protection.
Here are practical tips for boosting immunity:
Firstly, your infant should be breastfed as long as possible. As they grow, ensure your child eats a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, focussing on making sure they have a balanced diet.
Sleep is critical for immunity. Typically, infants need from 12–16 hours of sleep per day/night, while older children require 8–10 hours per night. This can also differ from child to child – some may simply require more sleep than others.
Exercise helps build a strong immune system. Even short activities like playing outdoors or dancing indoors can make a big difference. Try to aim for one hour a day of exercise.
Be vigilant and look out for common flu symptoms, including:
Early intervention can help manage symptoms effectively. Consult your doctor for guidance if symptoms worsen.
If you have any questions about the child flu vaccine or the vaccination schedule, consult your healthcare professional for advice tailored to your child’s needs.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional for guidance on immunisations and fever management.
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