Do Kids Need a Second Flu Vaccine Dose After First Injection?

Influenza vaccine injection issues?

My child is over seven years old and has never received a flu vaccine before.
This year, he just started first grade and received the flu vaccine at school on the 18th of last month.
I heard that for those who have never received the flu vaccine before, the first time requires two doses.
Should my child receive an additional dose? Thank you.

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/10

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Yes, for children under 8 years old who have never received the influenza vaccine, the first vaccination requires two doses administered one month apart.

Reply Date: 2016/11/10

More Info

When it comes to flu vaccinations for children, particularly for those who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, the guidelines can be a bit nuanced. For your child, who is over seven years old and has never received a flu vaccine before, the recommendation is indeed to receive two doses of the vaccine during the first year they are vaccinated. This is particularly important for children under the age of eight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities, children aged six months to eight years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should receive two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart. This is to ensure that they develop adequate immunity against the influenza virus. The first dose helps to prime the immune system, while the second dose boosts the immune response, leading to better protection against the flu.

Since your child received the first dose on the 18th of last month, it is advisable to schedule the second dose as soon as the four-week interval has passed. This means that your child should ideally receive the second dose by mid-November. If the second dose is not administered, your child may not achieve the optimal level of immunity, which could leave them more vulnerable to influenza during the flu season.

If your child does not receive the second dose this season, they will still have some level of protection from the first dose, but it will not be as robust as it would be with the complete two-dose series. Furthermore, if your child does not receive the second dose this year and decides to get vaccinated again next year, they will need to start the two-dose series again, as the initial vaccination series is designed to be completed within the same flu season.

In summary, yes, your child should receive a second flu vaccine dose after the first injection to ensure optimal protection against influenza. It is always best to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider to discuss the vaccination schedule and any other concerns you may have regarding your child's health and immunization. Keeping up with vaccinations is crucial, especially as children are more susceptible to infections when they are in school and around other children.

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