Pfizer's vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 is one-third of a regular dose, a slightly different formula and given with a smaller needle. Kids under age 16 can't get a booster yet, but children ages 5 and up can be fully vaccinated. Now, teens as young as 16 can get boosted as long as six months have passed since their second Pfizer shot. On Thursday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Pfizer's booster for 16- and 17-year-olds after it was authorized earlier in the day by the US Food and Drug Administration. In order to stay ahead of the new omicron variant, health officials in the US are urging everyone eligible to go get a COVID-19 booster - including teens as young as 16. Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older people, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites. Flu viruses infect the nose, upper airways, throat, and lungs. What is flu?įlu- short for influenza-is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Your child’s flu vaccine will protect against flu all season, but they will need a vaccine again next flu season for best protection against flu. Also, protection provided by flu vaccination wears off over time. Why does my child need a flu vaccine every year?įlu viruses are constantly changing, so new vaccines are made each year to protect against the flu viruses that are likely to cause the most illness. If your child previously got two doses of flu vaccine (at any time), he only needs one dose of flu vaccine this season.
The first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available.
Reduces the risk of illness, which can keep your child from missing school or childcare and you from having to miss work.Can make illness less severe among people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu.
Reduces the risk of flu illness and hospitalization among children.A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from flu and its potentially serious complications.