My kids have received their yearly flu shot. Does it protect them against the H1N1 flu virus?
– Debra
The seasonal flu shot does not protect kids against the H1N1 flu virus. They'll need the separate H1N1 flu vaccine to be protected against this new strain of flu.
Children and young people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years are at an increased risk for catching H1N1 flu and for developing health problems from it. So the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they be vaccinated. Caretakers of kids younger than 6 months old also should receive the vaccine.
The H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, but should be ready in October. It will be offered at places where the seasonal flu vaccine is available, like hospitals, clinics, community centers, pharmacies, and doctors' offices. Many kids will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine at school.
Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine will be offered as a shot (injected through the skin) or as a spray mist (into the nasal cavity). Children ages 9 and younger will need two doses of the vaccine 1 month apart. Older kids and teens need only one dose. Side effects may include soreness or swelling at the site of the injection or mild side effects, such as headache or low-grade fever.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: October 2009
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