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Does The First Flu Shot Offer Any Protection To The Infant?
Question: My 11 month old son was exposed to the flu today. We were shopping and one of the employees sneezed several times, but he was standing at least 18 feet away from us when he sneezed. Then he came over to us while we were shopping to measure my son's foot, so he did touch my son's foot a few minutes after sneezing. He sounded very congested and a minute later I heard him tell his coworker that he tested positive for the flu whenever he went to the doctor.
Since this is the first flu season that my son has been old enough to get a shot, he has to get 2 flu shots for maximum protection. My son got his first flu shot on October 14th, and is scheduled to get his second flu shot on November 20th.
My question is... Does the first flu shot offer any protection at all? I'm worried that he's now going to catch the flu from this exposure.
Since this is the first flu season that my son has been old enough to get a shot, he has to get 2 flu shots for maximum protection. My son got his first flu shot on October 14th, and is scheduled to get his second flu shot on November 20th.
My question is... Does the first flu shot offer any protection at all? I'm worried that he's now going to catch the flu from this exposure.
Brief Answer:
Flu vaccine offers 50-60% protection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.....usually flu vaccines work best in kids less than 2 years of age and more than 65 years of age. These are the groups best benefitted.
Recent studies show vaccine can reduce the risk of flu illness by about 50-60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are like the viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Flu vaccine offers 50-60% protection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.....usually flu vaccines work best in kids less than 2 years of age and more than 65 years of age. These are the groups best benefitted.
Recent studies show vaccine can reduce the risk of flu illness by about 50-60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are like the viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Why are kids required to get two vaccines the first year that they ever get a flu shot? Is the first shot not very effective and that's why they need a second flu vaccine a month later? This is why i am concerned because he's only received one dose of his flu vaccine but his doctor says he needs two. s
Brief Answer:
1st dose primes and 2nd dose protects
Detailed Answer:
Hi...The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose. The first dose “primes” the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose but need two doses (according to age) can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
1st dose primes and 2nd dose protects
Detailed Answer:
Hi...The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose. The first dose “primes” the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose but need two doses (according to age) can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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