Flu Vaccine for Kids: Is the Second Dose Necessary?

Influenza second dose

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 doses when they are 8 years old?

cynthia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/12

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 influenza vaccine should receive a second dose one month after the first dose to achieve optimal protection.
However, based on the opinion of Dr.
Huang Li-Min, the Director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, receiving just one dose still provides some protection against influenza, although the efficacy will not be as high as with two doses.
2.
When you receive the vaccine again next year, only one dose will be necessary.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng
Director, Department of Pediatrics
Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2007/11/12

More Info

The question regarding whether a second dose of the flu vaccine is necessary for a child who is 1 year and 4 months old is an important one, especially considering the nuances of pediatric immunization. According to current medical guidelines, the flu vaccine is crucial for preventing influenza, which can lead to severe complications in young children.
For children under the age of 8 who have never received a flu vaccine before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they receive two doses of the vaccine during the same flu season. The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose, administered at least four weeks later, boosts the immune response, thereby enhancing protection against the virus. This two-dose schedule is particularly important for children who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, as it helps to ensure they develop adequate immunity.

In the case of your child, who received the first dose in October and is scheduled for the second dose this month, it is advisable to proceed with the second dose. While it is true that even a single dose can provide some level of protection, the efficacy of that protection is significantly lower than if the child receives both doses. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can range from 60% to 90%, depending on various factors, including the match between the vaccine strains and circulating strains of the virus. By skipping the second dose, your child may not achieve the optimal level of immunity, leaving them more vulnerable to influenza.

If you choose not to administer the second dose now, it is important to note that if your child does not receive both doses this season, they will still need to receive two doses if they are vaccinated again next flu season. This is because the immune system may not have developed sufficient memory to provide lasting protection from just one dose. Therefore, it is generally recommended to complete the two-dose series in the same flu season to maximize protection.

In summary, while one dose of the flu vaccine does offer some protection, the second dose is crucial for achieving optimal immunity, especially for children under 8 years old who are being vaccinated for the first time. It is best to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure your child is adequately protected against influenza. If you have any concerns or questions about the vaccination process, it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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