- With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus consultant in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to MayoClinic.com in general and primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
Dr. Hoecker, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, is certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was trained at Washington University's St. Louis Children's Hospital, and in infectious diseases at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1989.
"The World Wide Web is revolutionizing the availability and distribution of information, including health information about children and families," Dr. Hoecker says. "The evolution of the Web has included greater safety, privacy and accuracy over time, making the quality and access to children's health information immediate, practical and useful. I am happy to be a part of this service to patients from a trusted name in medicine, to use and foster all the good the Web has to offer children and their families."
More answers
- Baby Einstein: Can baby DVDs promote infant development?
- Infant swimming: Do indoor pools pose an asthma risk?
- Wheezing in children: Could it be asthma?
- Infant constipation: How is it treated?
- Baby bottle tooth decay: Can bottle feeding my baby cause cavities?
- Discolored baby teeth: A cause for concern?
- Temper tantrums: What's normal, what's not?
- Toddler speech development: When should a parent be concerned?
- Toddler behavior: How can I encourage listening and cooperation?
- Poinsettia plants: Are they poisonous?
- Infant growth: What's normal?
- Induced lactation: Can I breast-feed my adopted baby?
- Organic baby food: Is it worth the price?
- Infant botulism: Why is honey a concern?
- Karo syrup for constipation: Is it safe for babies?
- Toddler behavior: Is sensitivity to change a concern?
- Meningitis vaccine: Can infants get it?
- Air travel with infant: Is it safe?
- Infant formula: Should I use tap or bottled water?
- Newborn care: Should I wake my baby for feedings?
- see all
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Question
Flu shots: Do healthy children need them?
Do healthy children need flu shots?
Answer
from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Influenza (flu) is a common viral infection. Signs and symptoms may include muscle aches, fever, chills, fatigue and sore throat. For children, the flu can also cause diarrhea and seizures. In some cases, complications of the flu can be deadly. Yearly flu vaccines are the best way to protect children from the flu. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children ages 6 months to 18 years — ideally given in October or November, before the flu season begins.
The flu vaccine is available in two forms:
- A shot. Flu shots can be given to children age 6 months and older. Side effects may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and muscle aches.
- A nasal spray. The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) can be given to children age 2 years and older. Side effects may include runny nose, wheezing and headache.
Whether you choose the flu shot or nasal spray, keep in mind that children age 8 and younger who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses given at least four weeks apart. One dose is adequate for children age 9 and older and those who've been vaccinated before.
Consult your child's doctor if you wonder which type of flu vaccine would be best for your child. Also check with your child's doctor if your child has any medical conditions or experienced a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine.
Next questionBaby Einstein: Can baby DVDs promote infant development?
- Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
- Inactivated influenza vaccine: 2008-09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
- Live, intranasal influenza vaccine: 2008-09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flulive.pdf. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
