Reaction to Flu Shots in Infants

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that infants older than 6 months receive a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu shot for children from 6 months to 18 years. Children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are more susceptible to flu-related complications. Although rare, reactions to the flu shot are possible, especially if your baby has never been exposed to the flu virus.

  1. Scheduling

    • The first time that your baby gets the flu vaccine, she will receive two injections one month apart. The first shot is usually given in September or October. Subsequently, the vaccine is administered once a year. The shots are administered by October in order to give your baby enough time to build up her immunity before the onset of flu season.

    When to Avoid the Vaccine

    • The vaccine is not approved for babies under 6 months of age. If your baby is allergic to eggs, he is probably not a candidate for the shot. Chicken eggs are used to grow the vaccine, and the injection may contain small amounts of egg protein. If your baby is ill or has a fever, he should not get the flu shot until he is healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk with your baby's doctor.

    Concerns About Mercury

    • Mercury has been removed from all routine vaccines--except for the flu shot. Thimerosal is a preservative that uses mercury and is still present in many flu vaccines. The CDC says there is no evidence that Thimerosal is harmful. However, it is important to be aware that your infant's flu vaccine likely contains mercury. Thimerosal-free vaccines are available and are typically reserved for babies and toddlers.

    Common Side Effects and Local Reactions

    • The side effect most experienced by those who receive the vaccine is the local reaction of soreness at the injection site. If your baby has never been exposed to the flu virus, she may be drowsy and feverish. These symptoms rarely last longer than two days.

    Systemic Reactions

    • These reactions include a general sense of not feeling well, drowsiness, fever and aching muscles. These reactions generally manifest six to 12 hours after the vaccine is administered and will last about two days.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions to the flu vaccine include anaphylaxis and hives. Allergic reactions can be life threatening but they are also very rare. If your child has a severe allergy to eggs, she is likely to be allergic to the flu vaccine. Talk with her doctor about vaccine alternatives if you are concerned that your child is at risk for flu-related complications.

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