As fall approaches, parents often find themselves juggling back-to-school preparations, holiday plans, and the inevitable cold and flu season. This year, with both the flu and COVID-19 still prevalent, it’s essential to understand the importance of vaccinations for your children. Here’s what you need to know about flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines this fall.

Should You Get Your Child Vaccinated?

The Importance of Flu Shots for Children

Why It Matters: The flu can be serious, especially for young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated during the 2023-2024 flu season, there were about 390,000 to 830,000 flu hospitalizations. In years prior, about 80% of children who died from the flu were not fully vaccinated. The flu shot is the best protection against severe symptoms, reducing the risk of flu-related hospitalization and complications like pneumonia.

Who Should Get It: The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. This includes children, who are particularly vulnerable to severe flu symptoms. Read more about the CDC recommendations here.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

Ongoing Need: While the pandemic phase of COVID-19 may have passed, the virus is still present and evolving. Children can still get sick from COVID-19, and some may experience severe symptoms or develop long-term complications like MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), which is a rare but serious condition linked to COVID-19.

Vaccination Recommendations: The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, including updated boosters for those eligible. Vaccination is particularly encouraged for children with underlying health conditions that could make them more susceptible to severe illness. You can view the most updated recommendations from the CDC on their website.

Is It Recommended?

Medical Consensus

Flu Vaccination: There is a strong consensus among pediatricians and public health experts that children should receive the flu vaccine every year. The vaccine not only protects the individual child but also contributes to community immunity, helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under 6 months, the elderly, or those with chronic health conditions. Even if your child does contract the flu after receiving the vaccine, they will experience less severe symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Similarly, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by major health organizations for children. While the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in children is lower than in adults, vaccination remains a key tool in preventing severe outcomes, especially with the emergence of new variants.

Combination of Vaccines

Many parents wonder if it’s safe or advisable for children to receive both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, it is safe to administer both vaccines during the same visit, and doing so can be a convenient way to ensure children are protected against both viruses.

When Is It Recommended?

Timing for the Flu Shot

Ideal Timing: The flu season in the United States typically begins in October and peaks between December and February. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, ideally before flu activity starts to increase. However, vaccination later in the season can still offer protection, so it’s never too late to get the shot.

Why Early Matters: It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies against the flu, so getting the shot early helps ensure that children are protected before the virus starts circulating widely.

Timing for COVID-19 Vaccination

Ongoing Consideration: COVID-19 vaccines are available year-round, and the timing for additional doses, like boosters, depends on when the previous dose was received. For children who are eligible for a booster, it’s advisable to get it in the fall, ahead of any potential winter surge in COVID-19 cases.

Consult with Your Pediatrician: Since recommendations for COVID-19 boosters can change based on new variants and data, it’s important to consult with your child’s pediatrician to get the most current advice tailored to your child’s needs.

Conclusion

Vaccinating your children against both the flu and COVID-19 is strongly recommended by health experts. These vaccines are crucial in protecting children from severe illness and helping to maintain overall public health. Fall is the ideal time to get these vaccinations, ensuring your children are safeguarded as flu season begins and as COVID-19 continues to circulate. If you have any concerns or questions, discussing them with your child’s healthcare provider is the best way to make informed decisions