Why give the flu shot every year and TOP 5 note to remember

Flu is a serious respiratory infection for young children. The disease is highly contagious and can easily cause a major pandemic, but it can be prevented if given a vaccine on time. So parents should proactively vaccinate children from 6 months and older according to the recommended injection schedule. 

1. What is the flu? Is it dangerous?

What is the flu? Influenza is a seasonal illness, usually in the winter, caused by influenza A (H3N2), influenza A (H1N1), B and C influenza viruses. The disease spreads through the respiratory, through droplets of saliva or nasopharyngeal secretions when sneezing or coughing. Influenza virus still exists on surfaces of utensils and eating utensils that patients can touch. As a result, a healthy person can become infected if they touch it with their hands and touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Children are very susceptible to seasonal flu

Seasonal flu behaves like a common cold but usually comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

Is it dangerous? According to statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, about 5% of the population gets sick which greatly affects health, life and job. For healthy people, the flu only causes mild symptoms and can go away on its own within 7-10 days. However, for children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems, the disease can cause many life-threatening complications such as respiratory damage, pneumonia, blood infection, convulsions and even death. The degree of severe or mild complications depends on the type of virus causing the disease and the resistance of each person.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for the flu. The main methods of treatment are improving health, and monitoring health so as not to superinfection and not infect others.

2. Why should I get a flu shot for my child annually?

• Children are susceptible to the flu and often complications in children than in adults. Every year, many children under 5 years old are hospitalized because of complications by the flu.

• There are many strains of the influenza virus that cause the flu change (change antigens) over the years. So antibodies produced by the vaccine may be effective this year, but may no longer be effective against next year.

• Over time, the antibodies made by the flu vaccine also weaken.

• The composition of the flu vaccine is always updated and changed every year to match the flu strains circulating. It is therefore recommended that children get a flu shot every year to activate the immune system to produce antibodies against the entry of influenza virus strains.

Get a flu shot for your baby every year to activate the immune system 

Who has a high risk of getting the flu?

• Children from 6 months to 5 years old.

• Children in direct and indirect contact with the flu.

• Children who have never had a flu vaccine 

• Do not wash hands often after touching objects that contain patient saliva or secretions.

• Children have weak immune systems due to chronic diseases such as heart disorders, immune deficiencies, cancer, metabolic disorders, chronic kidney disease, diabetes 

3. Five notes to remember when vaccinating for children

3.1. Flu vaccines in Vietnam

Currently, there are 2 types of flu vaccines used in Vietnam including Vaxigrip (France) and Influvac (Netherlands). The detailed schedule for a child's flu shot is as follows:

3.2. When should you get the flu vaccine?

In Vietnam, the flu usually occurs all year round but peaks in March, April and October.. Parents should actively vaccinate their children before the flu season about 2 weeks to 1 month

Parents should proactively get their kids vaccinated before the flu season

3.3. Who should not get a flu shot?

Although it provides good preventive effects, some of the following cases should not be vaccinated:

• Baby less than 6 months old.

• Children have had serious reactions to an influenza vaccine in the past.

• The child is unwell or has a fever.

3.4. Possible side effects from the child's flu shot

• Swelling, pain at the injection site.

• Children, especially those who have never been infected with the flu virus, may experience a mild fever and fatigue.

Side effects from a flu shot are very rare, only lasting about 2 days. If the child has a persistent high fever or unusual signs, parents should take the child to the nearest medical facility to be examined.

3.5. Whether getting a flu shot before pregnancy will help your baby?

If you are planning to become pregnant, the flu shot before pregnancy is very necessary that protect the health of both pregnant mother and fetus. Vaccination also helps to build a passive immune system for the baby right after birth until the baby can get the flu shot for the first time at 6 months of age.

CarePlus is a reputable influenza vaccination site for children and adults 

Flu vaccination for children is very important, especially when seasonal flu tends to increase rapidly over the years. Currently, CarePlus International Clinic provides flu vaccination services for children and adults. Before vaccination, children will examined by pediatric specialists. After that, the doctor will advise on vaccines and vaccination regimen, side effects, how to care for the baby after vaccination at home.

When getting vaccinated at CarePlus, parents are completely assured because the vaccine is stored in a modern frozen warehouse. The team of doctors and nurses specially trained in vaccination and understands the child's psychology to help children overcome their fear of vaccination.

Especially, after vaccination, children will be monitored for 30 minutes in a spacious playground. Health information, vaccination history of the baby will be kept, parents will receive a message reminding the child's vaccination schedule when it come. 

CarePlus International Clinic System:

- Tan Binh Clinic: 107 Tan Hai, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, HCMC

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 20:00

• Saturday: 8:00 - 17:00

• Sunday: 8:00 - 12:00 (Pediatric services only)

District 7 Clinic: 2nd Floor, Crescent Plaza, 105 Ton Dat Tien, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, City. HCM City

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 20:00

• Saturday: 8:00 - 17:00

• Sunday: 8:00 - 12:00 (Pediatric services only)

Contact Hotline 1800 6116 for detailed advice and schedule a child's flu shot today!