儿童注射流感疫苗最常见的副作用是轻微的——这是父母需要知道的

流感季节已经到来，预计会和以往一样危险。根据疾病控制和预防中心的数据，自2010年以来，流感每年导致14万至81万人住院，1.2万至6.1万人死亡。任何人都可能经历严重的流感病例，但5岁以下的儿童可能特别容易患肺炎、脱水和其他并发症。

注射流感疫苗是保护家人的最好方法。这种疫苗可以将你患流感的风险降低40%到60%,如果你碰巧感染了流感，它还可以降低症状的严重程度。疾控中心建议每个6个月及以上的人每年接种疫苗——他们说注射流感疫苗的好处超过了任何可能出现的潜在副作用。

前往中心诊所，以满足您家人的疫苗接种需求。一周七天开放，包括晚上和周末。

由RELATED:CVS公司赞助的"这是你家人接种流感疫苗的最佳时机""流感疫苗的副作用和任何疫苗的副作用一样小，"医院流行病学家、中庭健康莱文儿童医院传染病教授阿米纳艾哈迈德(阿米纳艾哈迈德)解释说。继续阅读，了解更多关于流感疫苗和鼻喷疫苗的副作用，以及为什么它们不应该阻止你的家人接种疫苗。

在儿科医生办公室给病人接种疫苗的医生

-icon pinterest-transparent" data-social-service="pinterest"> Credit: Getty Images

Flu Shot Side Effects for Children and Toddlers

The flu shot is made with an inactivated (dead) flu virus, so it can't give you influenza, says Daisy Dodd, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease doctor for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. Even so, people can have minor side effects after receiving the shot. Child and toddler flu shot side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, or discomfort in the injection site. This localized reaction is the most common side effect, says Dr. Ahmed.
• Body aches
• Low-grade fever
• Headache. "This can usually be alleviated by taking pain medication like Tylenol, but in my opinion, it's very minor," says Dr. Dodd. 
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fainting in rare cases

These side effects generally last between one and two days. "The most common reactions people have to flu vaccines are considerably less severe than the symptoms caused by actual flu illness," stresses the CDC. 

• RELATED: The Flu Vaccine for Children and Toddlers

Side Effects of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

Some people receive the live attenuated flu vaccine (nasal spray) instead of the shot. A lifesaver for those who hate needles, this vaccine is only given to those over 2 years old who don't have asthma, diabetes, or other health issues that compromise the immune system. That's because it contains the live flu virus—but in such weakened quantities that it can't cause a full-blown flu, says Dr. Ahmed. Side effects of the nasal spray include:

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Cough

Are Severe Side Effects Possible?

It's unusual to have serious side effects from the flu shot. Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions (usually due to egg protein in the vaccine) are also rare, and "the new vaccines are actually very safe for those with egg allergies," says Dr. Dodd. Symptoms of an allergic reaction show up within minutes to hours, according to the CDC, and they include breathing trouble, weakness, fast heart rate, dizziness, hives, sweating, hoarseness, and paleness. Find emergency assistance immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction from the flu vaccine.

• RELATED: 7 Flu Treatments for Kids at Home

What's more, the flu shot may have a small association with a rare disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), in which the immune system attacks your nerves. Some studies found that GBS occurs fewer than 1 or 2 times out of every one million vaccinations; others didn't find any link, says the CDC. It's important to note, though, that GBS may also occur after getting the flu. In fact, "you have a greater chance of getting GBS from influenza than by the vaccine itself," says Dr. Dodd, adding that it's still highly unlikely.

The Bottom Line

The flu shot may cause minor side effects in toddlers and children, but the benefits of vaccination vastly outweigh the risks. Dr. Ahmed adds that it's especially important to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• By Nicole Harris