As a parent of two young children I have always been concerned with their health. This is especially true during flu season when there are so many rumors flying around about vaccines and the flu.

I want to share with you what I know about the facts behind these common questions about vaccinations and flu; what we’re told in school, what our pediatricians tell us and the truth from science that helps explain why. 

You may have heard about influenza in previously it was one of the most common and widely spread disease. As we know that this disease directly attacks on the respiratory system of humans and after that they will not be able to breathe properly. So because of this reason most of the people compare it with asthma but they are not same.

What is the difference between the flu vaccine and the flu?

The influenza virus can cause mild illness or it can be severe enough to require hospitalization. The flu vaccine protects against only one strain of the virus. It does not protect against all strains of the virus.

So when you get your annual flu shot, you may still get sick from other strains of the flu. If you do get sick, it will most likely be seasonal rather than pandemic. Seasonal means that you’ll be protected from this particular strain of the influenza virus for 3-5 years. If you are vaccinated more than once every three years, you’ll be protected against that same strain for up to five years.

What’s the difference between a “regular” flu shot and an “intranasal” flu shot?

The regular flu shot contains killed viruses. They are grown in chicken eggs and then purified and tested for safety before being shipped out to medical facilities around the country. The intranasal version of the flu vaccine uses live viruses which are grown in fertilized hen eggs, but they are then destroyed before they reach the medical facility.

There has never been a case of someone getting sick with a live virus in their body after receiving the intranasal vaccine. In fact, if you receive an intranasal vaccine, you cannot be exposed to any live virus through contact. There is no risk of exposure to live viruses at all. However, if you are pregnant and you choose to receive the intranasal vaccine, your doctor may recommend using an egg-free (inactivated) option.  If you choose to receive the nasal spray, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to application. If you do not, you run the risk of transmitting the virus onto yourself.

How much does it cost?

It depends on where you go. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot, but you will need to check with your specific insurer. Some do not cover the cost of the vaccination at all.

In addition, some vaccinations are covered by Medicaid or Medicare. If you receive the shot while you are covered under either of those programs, there is no additional charge. Other insurances include co-payments and deductibles. Make sure you discuss this issue with your healthcare provider so that you don’t have unexpected costs to pay.

Why do I need both the flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine?

Because you cannot get the flu without having had a previous infection with the flu virus. And because even healthy people who contract the flu often end up hospitalized. Pneumonia is also very dangerous, even deadly for those who develop complications. Getting the pneumococcal vaccine is extremely important, especially if you are over 65. And, while you can’t get the flu from your child, the pneumococcal vaccine is just as important for them. It is recommended for children aged 2 months to 5 years. For those who are 6 years of age or older, the second dose should be administered at least eight weeks after the first dose, and the third dose should be given at least six months after the second dose.

Are there side effects from the flu vaccine?

The symptoms of the flu itself, such as fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat and cough, are usually mild. But sometimes those symptoms are followed by a bad reaction called Guillain Barre Syndrome, which can cause paralysis and even death. Although rare, this complication occurs almost exclusively among those who have previously received the flu vaccine. So if you’ve ever had this type of reaction, don’t get a flu shot again!

Another type of adverse event linked to the flu vaccine is known as “neurological.” It may result in things like confusion, loss of balance or vision problems that last longer than 24 hours. These reactions occur less frequently than the Guillain Barre syndrome, but they can happen nonetheless.

Most people who experience these types of adverse events recover completely within weeks. However, the CDC recommends that anyone experiencing any of these symptoms immediately call 911.

Is the flu vaccine made from dead or alive viruses?

The flu vaccine contains only inactivated viruses. They are grown in chicken eggs and then purified and tested for safety before being shipped out to medical facilities around the country. There has never been a case of someone getting sick with a live virus in their body after receiving the vaccine. In fact, if you receive the vaccine, you cannot be exposed to any live viruses through contact. There is no risk of exposure to live viruses at all. However, if you are pregnant and you choose to receive the intranasal vaccine, your doctor may recommend using an egg-free (inactivated) option.  If you choose to receive the nasal spray, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to application. If you do not, you run the risk of transmitting the virus onto yourself.

Should I get the flu shot during pregnancy?

Yes! If you are pregnant, talk to your OBGYN well ahead of time so that you receive the flu shot well before you actually go into labor. This way, you’ll be able to avoid exposing your baby to the live virus during delivery.

The flu shot is safe for pregnant women to receive. There is no increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects. It is also recommended for nursing mothers who want to minimize their exposure to the flu during the winter months. However, if you are nursing and you choose to have the nasal spray, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to application.

While the flu shot is not recommended for infants younger than six months old, it is strongly suggested that parents give their babies and toddlers the pneumococcal vaccine. It is particularly important for children who are six months of age or younger, since they will not yet have developed immunity to the bacteria. Children who are too young to be vaccinated may still be vulnerable to serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

What are the risks from the H1N1 swine flu vaccine?

The Swine flu vaccine was approved for use in the United States back in 2009. Since then, it has not caused any deaths. However, it did cause side effects. According to reports submitted to the FDA, side effects included high fevers, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness and rashes. While the side effects were not severe, they were reported by many who received the vaccine.

Although the H1N1 vaccine has not been licensed for use in children, many parents feel compelled to have their kids vaccinated. Unfortunately, the vaccine does not provide protection against H1N1, and you could potentially pass along the virus to your child. That’s why it’s important to follow the CDC guidelines for preventing and catching the flu. When it comes to protecting your child, always listen to your doctor.

When should I start giving my baby/toddler the flu shot?

The flu shot should be given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months and 18 months. Infants under the age of 6 months should not be vaccinated because they are too young to respond properly to the vaccine. Babies under the age of 9 months should not be vaccinated at all.

For more information about the flu, its prevention and vaccination, visit the links on the next page.