this is great time to get a flu shot for your baby. this season the flu vaccine is being recommended for all individuals 6 months and older. for children under 9 years old who have not received a flu vaccine before it is recommended that they receive two doses (1 month apart) in order to have maximum immunity this season. the sooner you get the first round the sooner you can get the second. the flu vaccine won't prevent you from getting sick with the common cold or stomach flu but it can provide up to 80-90% protection against influenza which is a virus responsible for many deaths and hospitalizations each winter season. side effects are minimal -- possibly some redness or soreness at the site or a mild fever for a day. the injectable flu vaccine is made from a killed virus so there is no chance of your baby catching the flu from the flu vaccine. i hope some of this information is helpful. your pediatrician should be able help answer your questions as well. i always remind my families that the more close contacts who receive the flu vaccine the better insulated from the flu their baby will be.
my 6 1/2-month-old has not been vaccinated for flu yet and his doctor says he should be. what is your advice?