Who Needs Flu Shots?

Flu shots are a fall family tradition for the Hace family.

"We all get flu shots," said Elizabeth Hace, of Victoria, Minn., whose children are ages 4 and 6. "The kids already seem to catch everything under the sun. You just can't control everything. The shot gives us one less thing we have to deal with."

That puts the Haces in line with new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC's recommendations for this season include shots for children ages 6 months to 5 years. The previous recommendation was for children ages 6 months to 2 years old.

"That's because those children are as apt to have complications leading to hospitalization as people who are 65 (years) and older," said Curtis Allen, a spokesman for the CDC.

The new guidelines led to a surprise for young members of the Elsenpeter family of Circle Pines, Minn.

"I always get a flu shot," said Bobb Elsenpeter, a father of two. "When (my daughter) was born, we coincided her first pediatrician's visit with my flu shot. (My wife and son) thought they would avoid a date with a needle and laughed about my own impending shot. The doctor, however, thought that because we had a newborn in the house that we all should get shots. So we went to the doctor expecting just a checkup for my daughter, and everyone -- including my then-4-year-old -- walked out with sore arms."

Take Flu Seriously

Five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year, and rates are highest among children.

A CDC survey found that only 33 percent of children ages 6 months to 2 years get a flu vaccination. Health officials said one reason that so few children are vaccinated is that parents do not always take the flu seriously.

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu complications and 36,000 deaths are linked to the flu each year in the United States, according to the CDC. The agency reports that the vaccine prevents influenza in about 70 to 90 percent of healthy people who are younger than 65.

Don’t Fear The Needle -- Or Alternatives

The sting of a needle can be a frightening experience for children, and some might even perceive the pain as a punishment. Health officials suggest preparing a child by stressing its benefits.

"Now, they're at an age when they know what it is," said Hace. "If they're fearful, we just explain to them that it's a temporary, short-lived flick of pain versus really getting sick."

If the needle is an unbearable experience, some children can be vaccinated with a nasal spray. In a CDC study that involved children 15 months to 7 years old, the nasal spray reduced the chance of influenza by 93 percent compared with placebo.

“It’s an excellent alternative to the shot, if you’re healthy and between 5 and 49 years of age,” said Allen.

The flu shot contains killed flu viruses; the spray contains weakened flu viruses. Both stimulate the body’s immune system to create protective antibodies that fight the real flu later. Sometimes, however, the spray is not covered by insurance.

“The body attacks what it thinks is the flu,” said Allen. “Those antibodies protect you against further invasion. It takes about two weeks (after the vaccination) for the body to build up its resistance.”

A person cannot get the flu from a vaccination, though it may cause soreness on the arm, low-grade fever or aches, but it rarely causes serious problems, Allen said.

Get It Early

Allen said the best time to receive a vaccination is October or November, allowing the body to prepare itself for the winter flu season.

Allen said anyone who wants to avoid the problems associated with flu should get vaccinated this year because vaccine shortages are not expected.

"Even if you don't become severely ill, it's a very miserable disease," Allen said. "We're not going to have to prioritize those at high risk as we have the past couple of years, so anyone who wishes to be vaccinated should seek out the vaccine."

Although vaccinations are recommended for anyone who wants to reduce their chances of contracting the flu, the CDC urges people at high risk of developing complications from the flu to be vaccinated.

The following are at high risk of developing complications:

People over 50

People with chronic medical conditions

Pregnant women -- who should not receive nasal spray

Children 6 months to 4 years old

Caregivers

“Only about 40 percent of health care workers are vaccinated, and they’re constantly in contact with those at high risk,” said Allen. “It’s very important that they be vaccinated.”

Who Should Avoid Shots?

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include people who have had a severe reaction to vaccinations or eggs. The flu vaccine is made with a chemical from chicken eggs.

“Both of our kids have egg allergies,” said Hace. “Our pediatrician feels it’s more important to get the shot because the benefits of the shots outweigh any reaction to the egg.”

People with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease in which the body damages its nerve cells, and people who are already sick should talk with a doctor before being vaccinated. Parents with children younger than 6 months also are advised to speak with a doctor before vaccinating the child.

Consult a doctor regarding any concerns about a vaccination.