Can A Flu Shot Make A Child Immune To Cough And Cold?

Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 Answered on

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Should my 3 year old son get a flu shot. His Dad and I get one so we wouldn't bring it home to him but he's in daycare. I feel like the possible side effects might outweigh the benefits but then again I don't want him to get the flu.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There are several strains of several viruses that cause coryza

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Let me mention that flu shot is an optional vaccine and the choice of the vaccine is upon you. All I would like to mention is:
* There are at least 200 viruses responsible for common cold. Influenza or flu virus is just one of them. So getting a flu shot will not make your child immune to cough and cold.
* The validity of a flu shot is only one flu season. The next year he will need to get a shot again if you want to provide the protection.
* On a personal note I would mention that the benefits do not outweigh the requirement. However, I do not expect any side effects and you need not worry about it.

Let me know if you have any other queries and I would be glad to help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar