Should Your Child Get the Flu Shot?

As we head into the fall and winter months, pediatricians are already seeing the first wave of kids with fevers, body aches, and coughs. Cold and flu season is just beginning, and with waiting rooms filling up quickly, many parents are asking the same question:

“Should my child get a flu shot now?”

The Great Debate: Should You Get the Flu Shot Now?

My answer as a pediatrician is clear: yes, don’t delay—get vaccinated as soon as possible! But there are still a few things to consider when deciding what’s best for your family in 2025.

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Why Get the Flu Vaccine Now

1. Flu Season is Predictably Unpredictable

Flu season traditionally begins in October, peaks in the winter months, and can stretch into spring. Every year is a little different, but one thing stays the same: vaccination is the strongest protection we have. By getting your child vaccinated in September or October, they’ll be covered before flu activity peaks.

2. It Takes Time to Work

The flu shot takes about two weeks to become fully effective. That’s why pediatricians recommend getting it now, before flu cases rise sharply later in the season.

3. Protection is Better Than Risk

Even in years when the flu vaccine doesn’t perfectly match circulating strains, it still helps reduce the severity and length of illness. That can mean fewer sick days, fewer trips to urgent care, and most importantly, lower risk of serious complications.

4. More Options for Kids

The nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) is still available and can be a great option for healthy children who meet the guidelines. For families who struggle with shot-day stress, this can be an easier choice.

5. Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Children under 6 months old cannot receive the flu vaccine, yet they’re at the highest risk of complications. By vaccinating older siblings and family members, you’re creating a protective circle around them. Expectant mothers who get the flu shot also pass along antibodies to their newborns, giving babies an important layer of protection.

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Things to Keep in Mind

1. Kids Under 9 May Need Two Doses

If your child has never had a flu shot before and is under 9 years old, they’ll need two doses spaced at least four weeks apart. Don’t wait until the season is in full swing—plan ahead so they’re fully covered by winter.

2. The Flu Shot Isn’t Perfect, But It Works

Each year, the vaccine is designed to target the strains expected to circulate the most. While it doesn’t prevent every case, it dramatically lowers the chance of severe illness and hospitalization.

3. Side Effects Are Mild

Common side effects include arm soreness, tiredness, or mild flu-like symptoms for a day or two. These are short-lived compared to the risks of an actual flu infection. Walking, moving the arm, or gently massaging the injection site often helps with tenderness.

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Final Thoughts

So, should your child get the flu shot in 2025?

Yes. While no vaccine is perfect, the flu shot remains one of the best ways to keep kids safe and healthy through cold and flu season. Getting vaccinated early helps protect not only your child, but also your family, classmates, teammates, and those most vulnerable in your community.

My advice is simple:
There’s no better time than now to schedule your child’s flu shot.

~ Dr. Katie