Children have three times the risk of contracting seasonal flu. This year, the seasonal viruses that had almost disappeared in favor of Covid-19 are regaining ground. Which children should be vaccinated as a priority? From 6 months in babies? With which vaccines in 2021? How many injections? Practical Guide.
According to Sentinels network, between 788,000 and 4.6 million people consult each year for flu syndrome during flu epidemics in France. Between 25% and 50% of these consultations concern children under 15 years old. In 2003, the flu affected approximately 3.5 million children under the age of 14. Indeed, the risks of contracting seasonal flu are three times higher in children, especially if it is educated and therefore more exposed. This year, the seasonal viruses which had almost disappeared in favor of the Covid-19, are regaining ground and are likely to be more virulent. Children, often affected by the disease two weeks before the peak of the epidemic, are the first concerned. According to weekly data from the Sentinels network, during the week of 25 to 31 October, the incidence rates of acute respiratory infections were slightly increasing among 0-4 year olds. The flu can therefore be serious for this fragile population, especially in children under 2 and those who already suffer from other illnesses, and the complications can be dangerous. To avoid the most serious forms, pediatricians always recommend vaccinating children.
From what age can babies be vaccinated?
From 6 months, a baby can be vaccinated against the flu. Before that age, it is impossible to give him an injection of the flu vaccine and it is therefore the baby’s entourage who must be vaccinated in order to protect him.
Which children should get the flu shot?
“Any parent who wishes to have their child vaccinated can do so”, recalls Dr Brigitte Virey, pediatrician and president of the Syndicat des paediatres de France. For some children, already fragile, vaccination is essential. This is particularly the case for:
- Children with respiratory problems (asthma, cystic fibrosis).
- Children who are born very premature and have a greater risk of decompensation if they contract the flu.
- Children with heart defects (congenital heart disease, for example).
- Children with neurological or neuromuscular disease (myopathy).
- Children with kidney or liver disease.
- Children with diabetes or obesity.
- Children with an immune deficiency or on immunosuppressive treatment (HIV or sickle cell anemia).
“Children with these diseases are classified as long-term illnesses and benefit from 100% coverage by health insurance allowing parents to have their child vaccinated for free”, would like to clarify the pediatrician.
With which vaccines in 2021?
From year to year, the strains that circulate can change. This is why vaccines are changed almost every year and it is important to carry out reminders. It exists two vaccines indicated for children: Vaxigrip tetra and Influvac tetra. These two vaccines each have two strains of influenza A and two of influenza B. Vaxigrip tetra is authorized in babies from 6 months. On the other hand, theInfluvac tetra is only authorized from 3 years old.
Protection from the flu shot lasts about six months.
How many injections?
If this is the first year of vaccination, two doses should be given one month apart for a child 8 years of age or younger. From the age of 9, only one dose is sufficient, even if it is the first year of vaccination, because “the child is believed to have been in contact with the influenza virus before” says Dr Virey. Protection from the flu shot lasts about six months. It will therefore be necessary to re-inject a dose of vaccine each year, especially if the child is fragile.
What are the possible side effects after vaccination?
There are no side effects specific to the flu shot. “As with all vaccines, it is possible to have a small local reaction with a redness a little painful at times. From time to time the child may have a little fever. In very exceptional cases, it is possible to make a allergy. “
Is there a risk to the baby if the nursing mother gets the flu shot?
There is no risk to the baby whose mother is breastfeeding and is vaccinated against the flu. “We can also vaccinate pregnant women regardless of the stage of pregnancy. It can protect the baby a little bit although we do not know exactly how long it can be effective” explains Brigitte Virey.
Thanks to Dr Brigitte Virey, pediatrician and president of the Union of Pediatricians of France.