Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Want To Get My Child A Flu Shot. We
Question: I want to get my child a flu shot. We are traveling. He will not be protected by the shot while we travel but if he is exposed could getting the shot now make it worse?
Brief Answer:
The flu shot is not expected to make it worse if your child is already exposed to flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to give protection. The shot does not contain a live virus so it does not cause flu and should not make it worse if the child gets the flu during this two-week period.
On the other hand, the child may experience local symptoms (redness, swelling, pain) at the site of the injection and in very rare cases fever, so he may feel a little unwell after the shot. These symptoms are very rare but may happen.
To conclude:
- Flu shots take 2 weeks to start to protect a patient from flu
- It is not a live vaccine but contains inactivated (killed) virus so it is unlikely to cause flu or make flu worse if your child gets infected with flu during this 2-week interval
- Rarely, some side effects such as local symptoms, fever, and aches may happen after a flu shot
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
The flu shot is not expected to make it worse if your child is already exposed to flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to give protection. The shot does not contain a live virus so it does not cause flu and should not make it worse if the child gets the flu during this two-week period.
On the other hand, the child may experience local symptoms (redness, swelling, pain) at the site of the injection and in very rare cases fever, so he may feel a little unwell after the shot. These symptoms are very rare but may happen.
To conclude:
- Flu shots take 2 weeks to start to protect a patient from flu
- It is not a live vaccine but contains inactivated (killed) virus so it is unlikely to cause flu or make flu worse if your child gets infected with flu during this 2-week interval
- Rarely, some side effects such as local symptoms, fever, and aches may happen after a flu shot
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
