As children head back to school and daycare, flu season is never far behind. While influenza might seem like a common illness, it can cause serious health problems—especially for kids with developing immune systems or chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
Every year, millions of children get the flu. This leads to missed school days, hospital visits, and in some cases, life-threatening complications. The good news is there’s a safe and effective way to protect your child, pediatric flu shots.
Flu Season 2025: What Families Should Know
In the United States, flu season typically runs from October through February, sometimes lasting into the spring. Because flu strains change yearly, the CDC updates the vaccine annually to provide the best protection.
Making sure your child receives their pediatric flu shot each year helps their immune system stay ready for the most likely flu strains of the season.
Why Children Need Extra Protection
Kids are more vulnerable to flu-related complications for several reasons:
- Their immune systems are still developing
- Schools, daycare centers, and sports expose them to frequent germ contact
- Younger children may struggle with hygiene habits like handwashing
The flu can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, or hospitalization in children—especially those under age 5. That’s why flu shots for children are such an important preventive step.
Benefits of Pediatric Flu Vaccination
Getting the flu shot offers protection beyond avoiding the flu itself. Vaccination helps:
- Reduce the risk of flu infection
- Lessen symptoms if your child does get sick
- Prevent flu-related hospital stays
- Keep kids in school and parents at work
- Protect siblings, grandparents, and others at higher risk
For children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pediatric flu shots are especially critical to prevent severe complications.
Clearing Up Flu Shot Concerns
“Can the flu shot give my child the flu?”
No. The vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause influenza. Temporary side effects like soreness or a mild fever are normal immune responses.
“If my child is healthy, do they still need it?”
Yes. Even healthy kids can become seriously ill and may pass the flu to others.
“Does the flu shot actually work?”
Yes. While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine significantly lowers the chance of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, while also helping reduce flu spread in schools and communities.
When and Where to Get Pediatric Flu Shots in Rochester
The best time to vaccinate your child is before the flu season peaks. Ideally, children should receive the flu shot by the end of October to allow time for immunity to develop. Lewis Pediatrics offers flu shots right here in our office for your child’s protection.
What to Expect After a Flu Shot
Most kids do very well after vaccination. Possible short-term side effects include:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness or fussiness (more common in toddlers)
These symptoms usually go away within 24–48 hours. If your child has severe allergies or a history of reactions, consult your pediatrician before getting the flu shot.
Schedule Pediatric Flu Shots in Rochester Today
Getting your child vaccinated is one of the simplest ways to protect them—and your whole family—from the flu. With kids back in classrooms and group activities, pediatric flu shots are a vital step in staying healthy this season.
Call us at (585) 442-1421 to schedule your child’s flu vaccine. We’re here to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for families in Rochester and the surrounding communities.