Why do children need the flu vaccine?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Huynh Thi Diem Thuy - Vaccine Consultant - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Many people often confuse flu with cold and think that flu is a mild disease, not dangerous, so most people do not pay attention to flu vaccination. But the reality is that the flu virus can cause many dangerous complications, especially for children.

1. What is the flu?

Influenza is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. The disease is transmitted directly from person to person by respiratory droplets through saliva and secretions containing the virus. At the same time, when coming into contact with poultry with flu, humans can also become infected.
Influenza viruses when entering the respiratory tract, they multiply rapidly and destroy cells. When they cross the immune barrier, they enter the bloodstream, reach the organs and cause damage there.
Patients with moderate and mild influenza usually only have symptoms such as: high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, respiratory tract inflammation, laryngitis,...
However, If infected with malignant influenza such as influenza A H5N1, the patient will show signs of fatigue, anxiety, convulsions, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, lung, liver and kidney damage. If not treated promptly, the patient can die after 1-3 days due to respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse.
Like many other infectious diseases, the flu can be prevented by getting a flu shot every year.

2. The flu vaccine for children brings many benefits

Influenza viruses can infect people of all ages, but children are the most vulnerable. Therefore, it is very important to vaccinate everyone, especially children.
It is essential that parents understand the importance of yearly flu shots for their children. Because many parents do not fully understand the importance of vaccination or for some reason do not vaccinate their children.
That's not to say that adults don't need a flu shot. Everyone should be vaccinated to improve the effectiveness of disease prevention for themselves and the community, in which children are the subjects that need the most priority.
Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing flu vaccines made in France. The advantages of vaccination at Vinmec include:
Vinmec International General Hospital uses high-quality vaccines with clear origin, suitable for the age to be vaccinated, and ensures safety from vaccination. stage of registration, preservation until use. Before vaccination, all children are screened before vaccination with specialists - vaccines to help children ensure the best health when vaccinated. The doctor will advise the family on the best preventive vaccines for each age group according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization as well as how to monitor the reaction after vaccination. A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated children are monitored and re-evaluated before leaving. Post-vaccination monitoring room is fully equipped with emergency facilities; the team of doctors - nurses are trained in anaphylaxis emergency management to ensure timely and correct treatment when an incident occurs. The vaccination room is airy, with a play area, helping children feel comfortable as if they are walking and have a good mentality before and after vaccination. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality.

In addition, Vinmec also provides a full range of diverse vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, women before and during pregnancy and this is a routine activity at Vinmec.
For detailed information, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec health system nationwide.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: webmd.com, vnvc.vn