Every year, thousands of parents face the same question: “Should a child be vaccinated against flu?” It is not included in the list of planned vaccinations, and therefore, before making a final decision, you should understand what vaccines against flu are for children, carefully consider the pros and cons, based on scientific data and the individual characteristics of your child.
The case for vaccination
- Firstly, you should know that if all the rules of the procedure are followed, the medical staff approaches the procedure with responsibility, and the biomaterial is of high quality, then the effectiveness of vaccinations reaches an impressive 75-90%.
- Vaccines against influenza for children, the pros and cons of which we are now considering, allow a weak body to receive specific immunity to a common virus.
- The vaccine protects not only from the flu itself, which, following all the recommendations of doctors, can be treated quickly and easily, but also from its complications, some of which are very dangerous and even have the risk of death.
- Speaking about vaccines against influenza for children, the pros and cons of their implementation, it is important to note one more argument. Vaccination is voluntary (that is, it is not necessary to be vaccinated every year) and is free and is carried out for adults and children in polyclinics at the place of residence.
However, there are also negative points that should be mentioned.
The case against vaccination
- Influenza virus is considered one of the most prone to mutations. That is, even despite the change in vaccines in accordance with the instructions of the WHO, the vaccine may simply not work.
- There is always the possibility that a poor-quality vaccine or even a fake will be introduced. In this case, the least unpleasant consequences that can be encountered are toxic and allergic reactions.
- Considering vaccines against influenza for children, the pros and cons of their implementation, it should also be mentioned that they are generally contraindicated for some people. Only an experienced pediatrician can identify the individual characteristics of the body that do not allow for normal vaccination.
- Even in completely healthy people, the body can react to the introduction of bioactive material in an unexpected way. However, in fairness, we say that such cases are quite rare these days.
Vaccine selection
Vaccination against influenza in 2013 and 2014 suggests the possibility of a choice between domestic (Grippol medication) and imported drugs. Among the best imported drugs are Influvac (Holland), Vaxigripp (France) and Begrivac (Germany). True, if you vaccinate at your place of residence or work, you can only count on a vaccine of domestic production. All of the above preparations do not contain a “live” (artificially weakened) virus, but only proteins that trigger an immune response. Within a few days after vaccination, the temperature may rise and your health may somewhat worsen.
When can not be vaccinated?
Influenza vaccination for children rarely has individual contraindications, but your pediatrician will tell you about them. And in other cases it’s enough just to know that the vaccine should not be given if:
- there is intolerance to chicken egg protein;
- with SARS and acute respiratory infections (or the first time after an illness);
- at the time of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Whether children need a flu vaccine is up to everyone to decide. However, remember that if you decide not to strengthen the immunity of your child in this way, then this must be done differently.