Doctor recommends flu shots for all kids 6 and older

Ahead of what could be a more severe flu season, it’s time for parents to start thinking about taking their kids to get a flu shot.

Dr. Kimberly Giuliano with Cleveland Clinic Children’s recommends a flu
shot for all children ages 6 months and older.

She urges that kids get the flu vaccine in September or October before cases start to increase.

“We do see severe flu every single year in our hospitals, in children who were otherwise healthy.”

Dr. Kimberly Giuliano

She says the flu shot is safe and helps prevent severe disease and even death.

Children can also get the COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccinations at the same time as their flu shot.

While kids with underlying health conditions are more likely to have complications from the flu, all kids are still at risk.

“We do see severe flu every single year in our hospitals, in children who were otherwise healthy. So
healthy today, healthy their entire life, and in the hospital with severe pneumonia, needing oxygen, and sometimes even ventilator support,” said Giuliano.

She says it’s also important for kids to practice good hand hygiene, cough into their arms instead of their hands, and stay home when sick.