Do Children Need Two Doses of the Flu Vaccine? Expert Insights

Q: Do Children Need Two Doses of the Flu Vaccine? Expert Insights

Hello, Miss： You can receive one dose.

Influenza vaccine

Hello Dr.
Chen,
I would like to ask about my child who is 1 year and 7 months old.
They received a 0.5 ml influenza vaccine at the beginning of October.
Should they receive another 0.5 ml influenza vaccine in November? Reports indicate that children need to receive 2 doses, but the doctor mentioned that only 1 dose is necessary.

Ru, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/10/25

Dr. Chen Junliang reply Otolaryngology

Hello, Miss: You can receive one dose.

Reply Date: 2001/10/25

More Info

When it comes to flu vaccination for children, the guidelines can sometimes be confusing, especially regarding the number of doses required. For a child who is 1 year and 7 months old and has already received a dose of the flu vaccine, the recommendation for whether a second dose is necessary depends on a few factors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under the age of 9 who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time are generally recommended to receive two doses. The first dose is given, followed by a second dose at least four weeks later. This two-dose regimen is designed to ensure that the child develops adequate immunity against the influenza virus, which can vary from year to year.

In your case, since the child is already 1 year and 7 months old and received the flu vaccine in October, it is essential to determine whether this was their first time receiving the flu vaccine. If this was indeed their first flu vaccine, then the child should receive a second dose in November to achieve optimal protection. The two doses help to build a stronger immune response, especially in younger children who may not have been exposed to the flu virus before.

However, if the child has previously received the flu vaccine in past seasons, then only one dose is needed for this flu season. The CDC states that once a child has received two doses of the flu vaccine in any previous season, they only need one dose each subsequent year.
It’s also important to note that the flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains of the virus, so even if a child received the vaccine last year, they still need to get the updated vaccine for the current flu season.

In summary, if this is the child's first flu vaccine, they should receive a second dose. If they have received the flu vaccine in previous years, then only one dose is necessary this season. It’s always best to consult with your pediatrician to clarify the vaccination history and ensure that your child is adequately protected against the flu.

In addition to understanding the vaccination schedule, it's crucial to recognize the importance of flu vaccination in children. The flu can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination not only protects the individual child but also contributes to community immunity, helping to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

In conclusion, for your child who is 1 year and 7 months old, if this is their first flu vaccine, they should receive a second dose. If they have a history of flu vaccinations, then one dose is sufficient. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice based on your child's health history.

Similar Q&A

Flu Vaccine for Kids: Is the Second Dose Necessary?

Doctor: Hello! May I ask if a 1-year and 4-month-old child received their first flu shot in October and is scheduled to receive the second dose this month, can they skip the second dose? What would be the implications? If they do not receive it, will they still need to get two do...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Cynthia, 1. The influenza vaccine is used to prevent influenza, and studies from abroad indicate that its efficacy ranges from approximately 60% to 90%. According to international medical research recommendations, children under eight years old who have never received the i...

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

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 tw...

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.

Flu vs. New Flu: Vaccination Guidance for Your Toddler

Hello Doctor: My child is 2 years and 11 months old. The health center has notified us to administer the influenza vaccine, and I am unsure how to decide. Q1. Is it sufficient to only get the influenza vaccine, or is it necessary to receive the new influenza vaccine as well? Will...

Dr. Xie Degui reply Pediatrics
Hello: 1. Two different vaccines prevent different strains of the influenza virus, so both need to be administered for effective prevention. 2. According to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control, there are no restrictions on administering these two vaccines separately; th...

Understanding Flu Vaccination for Children with Allergies

Hello Doctor: My daughter is three years old. When she was two, she had a blood test for allergens, and she was found to be allergic to eggs and milk. This year, she visited the doctor due to a cold, and the doctor recommended retesting for allergens. This time, the results showe...

Dr. Gu Qingxian reply Pediatrics
1. Regarding allergen testing, the interpretation of results varies depending on the different instruments and medications used in various specialties. Additionally, children over the age of five have an immune response sufficient to trigger the threshold required for allergen te...