The flu comes around every year, bringing the dreadful illness to the masses — up to 20% of the population, in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But not enough kids are getting the much-needed immunization, which can help keep them out of the doctor's office or, worse, the hospital.

Although most healthy people infected with the flu virus can weather the infection without problems, the flu can cause serious sickness in some, especially those at high risk for complications. Each year the highly contagious seasonal bug kills 36,000 people and sends another 200,000 (including more than 20,000 kids under age 5) to the hospital.

The flu vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80%. Yet a mere 1 in 5 babies and toddlers (who are especially at risk) receives the annual vaccine, says the CDC.

If only 50% of the kids in the United States were immunized against the flu, it would mean 650,000 fewer doctor's office visits and 2,250 fewer hospitalizations each year, according to a study in the September issue of the journal Pediatrics.

This Year's Plentiful Flu Vaccine Supply

Unlike some previous times of short supply, there's more than enough flu vaccine to go around this year. In fact, the CDC expects a record number of doses.

As in recent years, though, those in high-risk groups should get first crack at the vaccine, ideally in October:

• kids 6 months to 5 years old (kids under 9 who get a flu shot for the first time will receive it in two separate shots a month apart)
• pregnant women
• any adult or child with a chronic medical condition (like asthma or diabetes)
• anyone who lives or works with children under age 5 (especially with babies under 6 months old, who can't get the flu vaccine)

For shot-shy tots — and parents — who are uneasy about the thought of a needle, there's a pain-free flu immunization option, too. Previously OK'd for 5- to 49-year-olds, the pain-free FluMist is now available for the younger, often more squeamish 2- to 5-year-old set as well.

But FluMist isn't for everyone — it can't be used on high-risk kids and adults. And, unlike the flu shot (which is made from killed influenza viruses), the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses. That means it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.

What This Means to You

The flu season technically lasts from November until April, but it's best to try to have your family vaccinated between September and mid-November. You can still be immunized later, but getting the vaccine early on gives the body a enough time to build up immunity to, or protection from, the flu virus before infection rates start to climb in the cold months.

But the vaccine can only help prevent infection — it can't guarantee it. Why? The flu virus changes each year and the vaccine prevents infection from only a few of the viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. Also, in some cases, the vaccine doesn't give complete protection against the flu viruses targeted by the vaccine. But even if someone who's gotten the vaccine gets the flu, symptoms are usually fewer and milder.

Call your child's doctor before flu season kicks in to schedule an appointment for a flu vaccination. Ask which one — the shot or the mist — is best for your child. And make sure you get vaccinated, too, especially if you're pregnant, have or work with kids under age 5, or have children with a chronic medical condition.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007