The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the World Health Organization recommend annual vaccination for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Children are vulnerable to the flu throughout the year especially during the winters and monsoons.
It may take about 2 weeks to develop antibodies after getting the vaccination, which is why it should be taken 2 to 4 weeks before the monsoon or winter. Children under 5 years are not only at a higher risk of complications from the flu but can also spread the infection to others in the community .
Flu is caused by the influenza virus, and it affects the nose, throat, and lungs . Some common symptoms are cough, fever, chills, sore throat, tiredness,muscle ache and headache . Many recover in a few days or weeks. But children under the age of 5 years, especially those who are under 2 years; and those with long-term medical conditions may sometimes. Speaking about the need for Annual 4in1 Flu vaccination, Dr. Kausik Chakrabarti, MBBS, DCH, Child Health Care, Attached to Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital said, “My advice to parents is to get their children, who are between 6 months and 5 years of age, vaccinated against the flu.”