Flu vaccination: Protection for children and the whole family

<p>With the cold season, the risk of influenza—the “true flu”—also increases. It can make adults and children seriously ill for several days and lead to complications. The annual flu vaccination helps prevent illness and, in particular, severe courses. For children aged two and over, vaccination is available not only as an injection but also as a nasal spray. </p>
<p><strong>Flu or common cold—what is the difference?</strong></p>
<p>A common cold, also known as a “grippaler Infekt,” is triggered by various respiratory viruses. It usually starts gradually with a runny nose, sore throat and cough. </p>
<p>True flu, by contrast, is caused by influenza viruses. Typical features are a sudden onset, high fever, a dry cough, headache and body aches, and a pronounced feeling of illness. Possible complications include, for example, pneumonia or middle ear infections. </p>
<p><strong>Why is flu vaccination also important for children?</strong></p>
<p>Influenza by no means affects only older people. Infants and young children in particular have an increased risk of severe courses. That is why vaccination is also sensible for healthy children—and it is especially important for those with chronic conditions. In Austria, it is recommended for all children from the age of six months. </p>
<p><strong>Injection or nasal spray: What options are available?</strong></p>
<p>Depending on age and health status, two types of vaccine are available:</p>
<p>Vaccination by injection: Inactivated vaccines, so-called inactivated (killed) vaccines, can be used from the age of six months. They do not contain influenza viruses capable of replication. </p>
<p>Vaccination as a nasal spray: For children and adolescents from their second birthday up to before their 18th birthday, the nasal vaccine Fluenz is available. It contains weakened, live vaccine viruses and is administered into both nostrils—without a needle. </p>
<p>The Austrian vaccination schedule recommends the nasal vaccine for suitable children aged two and over, both for the first flu vaccination and in later seasons.</p>
<p><strong>Is the nasal spray suitable for every child?</strong></p>
<p>Before vaccination, we check which vaccine is suitable for your child.</p>
<p>If the nose is severely blocked, the nasal vaccination should be postponed or another vaccine chosen. A mild runny nose without nasal blockage is usually not a reason to delay vaccination. </p>
<p><strong>How many vaccinations does my child need?</strong></p>
<p>Children who are vaccinated against influenza for the first time before their ninth birthday need two vaccinations at least four weeks apart. This applies to both the injection and the nasal spray. After that, one vaccination per season is usually planned. </p>
<p>From the ninth birthday onwards, one annual vaccination is generally sufficient.</p>
<p><strong>How does the flu vaccination work—and why every year?</strong></p>
<p>The vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise and fight influenza viruses. It does not provide 100% protection: its effectiveness depends, among other things, on how well the vaccine strains match the viruses actually circulating. Nevertheless, it reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. </p>
<p>Because influenza viruses change and protection wanes over time, annual vaccination with a vaccine adapted to the respective season is recommended.</p>
<p><strong>Who else is the vaccination particularly important for?</strong></p>
<p>In addition to children, people aged 60 and over, people with chronic conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women benefit in particular. Vaccination is also especially recommended for healthcare and caregiving staff and for people in close contact with newborns. </p>
<p><strong>When is the best time?</strong></p>
<p>Ideally, the <em>vaccination is given between mid-October and November</em> before the flu wave begins. Immune protection develops within about two weeks. For children who need two doses for the first time, more time should be allowed accordingly. </p>
<p>A later vaccination can still be worthwhile—even if flu cases are already occurring.</p>
<p><strong>How well is the vaccination tolerated?</strong></p>
<p>After the injection, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site may occur. With the nasal spray, a runny or blocked nose is common. Temporary tiredness, headaches or fever are also possible. These symptoms usually subside quickly. Even without a noticeable vaccine reaction, good protection can develop. </p>
<p><strong>Is the flu vaccination free of charge?</strong></p>
<p>Influenza vaccination is free of charge at participating vaccination sites as part of the public vaccination programme.</p>
<p><strong>Would you like to protect your child against flu? We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable vaccine and plan the necessary vaccination appointments together with you. </strong></p>
<p><strong><em>An article by Dr Martha Krischmann, Specialist in Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine</em></strong></p>