Flu shots for babies: When and why your child should get the flu vaccine

When you have a baby at home, cold and flu season can bring extra worries. Because infants and young children are at higher risk for serious flu-related illness, getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to help protect their health. Below, we cover why flu shots are so important for babies, when and where they can get one, and how many doses they’ll need. When can babies get the flu shot? Every year, beginning at 6 months old. Babies can get their first flu vaccine once they turn 6 months old. If a baby is getting the vaccine for the first time, they’ll need two doses, given at least four weeks apart. Updated flu shots for the upcoming respiratory season are typically available every September. To ensure the best protection throughout flu season, doctors usually recommend that babies get the first dose as soon as they’re available in September and the second dose by the end of October. However, flu shots are available throughout the entire cold and flu season – sometimes as late as May. So babies who turn 6 months old during the season can still receive a vaccine. Why should babies get the flu shot? They save lives. The flu can be quite dangerous, especially for young childr...