How Safe Is Flu Shot?

Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014

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

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 18 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband and I are unsure whether or not to give the flu shot to my 14 month old daughter. My husband is concerned because he has heard of stories where this girl had a seizure because of it. Can you please explain the pros and cons of getting the flu shot? What would make someone have seizures from it? How likely would my daughter get them from it? What preventative measures can we take? Are you a parent - would you give it to your child? What is the difference between the flu shot and a regular vaccation?

Answered by Dr. Arun (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes you can give flu shot

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Flu shot is given annually .
It is for influenza virus or H1N1 and two other strains of influenza virus. This virus keeps changing and hence new vaccines are out every year
As a parent and doctor I give it to my kids each year.
Benefits are obviously protecting against influenza .
Seizures are very very rare, usually occur along with fever.
Your child is unlikely to get seizures . Don't worry.
If your kid gets fever give acetaminophen to prevent fever from rising. This way you can prevent seizure.

Once again I state flu vaccine is very safe and millions take it every year all over the world.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari