Should Your Baby Get the Second Flu Vaccine Now or Wait?

Second dose of the influenza vaccine?

The baby is currently over eleven months old and received the first dose of the influenza vaccine when they turned six months old at the beginning of this year.
Due to the pandemic, the second dose was not administered.
I would like to ask whether it is recommended to catch up on the second dose soon or to wait for the new influenza vaccine this winter.
Thank you.

WEN, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/30

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

We are currently in the hot summer season, which is not the influenza epidemic period, and there is no significant influenza outbreak at the moment.
I believe it would be sufficient to receive the new influenza vaccine this coming winter.

Reply Date: 2022/05/30

More Info

When it comes to vaccinating your baby against influenza, timing is indeed crucial. According to the information provided, your baby received the first dose of the flu vaccine at six months of age, and now, at eleven months, you are considering whether to administer the second dose now or wait for the new flu vaccine in the winter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that 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 adequate immune response and protection against the flu. Since your baby has already received the first dose, it is important to follow up with the second dose to complete the vaccination series.

Given that we are currently in the summer months, and flu activity is typically low during this time, it might seem reasonable to wait until the winter to get the second dose. However, it is essential to consider that the flu virus can circulate at any time of the year, and the best practice is to complete the vaccination series as recommended by health authorities. Delaying the second dose could leave your baby vulnerable to influenza, especially as we approach the flu season in the fall and winter.

Moreover, the flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains of the virus. While it is true that a new vaccine will be available in the winter, the second dose your baby needs now is crucial for building a strong immune response. The current vaccine will still provide protection against the strains that are expected to circulate this year.

In summary, it is advisable to proceed with the second dose of the flu vaccine now rather than waiting for the new vaccine in the winter. This will ensure that your baby has the best possible protection against influenza. After completing the second dose, you can then discuss with your pediatrician about the timing for the next flu vaccine, which will be the updated version for the upcoming flu season.

In addition, it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician regarding any concerns you may have about vaccinations, especially considering your baby's health history and any potential risks. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that your baby is up to date with all necessary vaccinations, including the flu vaccine. Keeping your child vaccinated not only protects them but also contributes to community immunity, helping to protect those who are unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons.

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