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How to Immunise Your Children for the Cold & Flu Season

How to Immunise Your Children for the Cold & Flu Season

This article has been scientifically reviewed for accuracy

Children
Immunisation Pain & Fever
Cold & Flu

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.

Why Does Your Child Need the Flu Vaccine?

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:

Protects their health and well-being
Strengthens their immune system
Reduces the spread of flu to others, including vulnerable family members

Vaccination has historically wiped-out diseases like smallpox, and keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule helps control illnesses like flu.

When Should Your Child Get a Flu Vaccine?

The NHS offers the children's flu vaccine every year in the autumn months or in early winter.

Those who can receive it are:

Children aged 2-3 years
School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
Some children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

Since the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective, getting vaccinated early and regularly is important.

How Often Should Children Get the Flu Vaccine?

The child flu vaccine needs to be updated every year because:

Flu viruses change frequently, and the vaccine is reformulated annually.
Immunity from the vaccine decreases over time.

Keeping up with the yearly vaccination schedule ensures your child remains protected against the latest flu strains.

Managing Fever After Vaccination

It’s common for children to experience mild side effects following immunisation. 

These may include:

Slightly raised body temperature
Runny or blocked nose
Tiredness or headache
Soreness where the injection was given*
Muscle aches or loss of appetite

*Applies to the injected flu vaccination only.

How to Relieve Fever and Discomfort

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:

Reduce fever quickly
Soothe headaches and muscle aches
Provide up to 8 hours of relief

Why Choose Nurofen for Children?

Range of products suitable for ages 3 months to 12 years
Easy-to-administer liquid suspension or chewable capsules
Provides effective relief from fever and flu-related pain

If your child’s fever persists above 39°C or they seem very unwell, contact your doctor for further advice.

Boosting Immunity for Cold and Flu Prevention

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:

Balanced Nutrition

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.

Good Sleep Habits

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.

Hygiene Practices

Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Encourage them to cover their mouth and nose with their elbow when sneezing or coughing.
Stay away from sick people as best you can.

Regular Physical Activity

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.

Flu Season Protection: Monitor Symptoms Early

Be vigilant and look out for common flu symptoms, including:

Sudden fever
Fatigue and chills
Coughing and body aches

Early intervention can help manage symptoms effectively. Consult your doctor for guidance if symptoms worsen.

Talk to Your Doctor

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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