2024-01-02 21:03:27
“Influenza: Is a Flu Vaccination Recommended for Children?”
In the autumn and winter months, waves of influenza repeatedly spread across the country. There are vaccination recommendations for adults, but should children also be vaccinated against the flu?
Like a cold, the flu primarily spreads through droplet infection, as the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) reports. Infected people can be contagious from one day before the onset of illness to about a week afterwards. For children, who are notoriously exposed to viruses in school and daycare settings, this poses a key concern.
Healthy children and young adults can usually overcome the flu symptoms, according to the BzgA, but those with chronic illnesses have an increased risk of severe disease progression. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends a flu vaccination for all children who are at increased risk of complications from influenza. This includes children with certain previous illnesses such as chronic diseases of the respiratory system, metabolic diseases like diabetes, and those who are living with chronically ill or immunocompromised individuals.
The recommendation includes the use of a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four different virus subtypes. Inactivated vaccines are available for children from six months of age, and live vaccines can be used for children aged two to 17 years, but only if there are no contraindications such as immunodeficiency or severe asthma.
If both the flu vaccination and the corona vaccination are recommended for the respective child, it is also possible to administer both vaccines at the same time. It is advised that parents consult with their pediatrician to determine the best course of action.
In conclusion, for children at an increased risk of complications from influenza, a flu vaccination is important for their overall health protection, particularly in the current climate of ongoing pandemic concerns.]
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