Each winter many people get influenza. Influenza causes a fever, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, and tiredness that may last for several days. The disease can usually be prevented by getting a vaccination, commonly called a flu shot. Healthy children who get influenza recover without serious problems, so flu shots are usually not given to children. Some children, however, have more trouble recovering from influenza.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or any other disease needing aspirin therapy.
If you have an otherwise healthy child and want your child to avoid getting influenza, your child may have a flu shot. An influenza shot can be given at the same time as any other routine vaccine. Your child should get the shot between September and mid-November, if possible. Protection from the influenza virus usually lasts only for 1 year. For more information about the vaccine, ask your doctor for an Influenza Vaccine Information Statement.