The concept that a healthy kid does not need a flu shot is completely wrong and can easily endanger his/her life. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 children less than 5 years of age are seriously affected by flu and are hospitalized every year.
Kids under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable to flu complications and should have a flu shot once every year until they reach the age of 18. Parents and family members who are in close contact with this age group need flu shots as well, especially those who have kids under six months in their household. When a child receives its first flu shot, it should be repeated by a second dose a month later, as the first one introduces the virus into his/her body, while the second one ensures immunity.
The flu vaccines start working 15 days after the child receives the second dose. Children having asthmatic problems, kidney disease, cardiac problems, HIV virus, diabetes and fragile immune systems need flu shots too. The easy passage of flu virus is largely facilitated by children, as they generally do not maintain good hygiene, which allow them to carry and spread the germs rapidly when they come in contact with other people. To prevent pandemic situations, it is therefore of utmost necessity to make sure that every child receives proper vaccination.
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