Vaccination against influenza to children: "for" and "against". Do I need a vaccination?

Every year, thousands of parents face the same question: "Is it worth it to get a flu shot from a child?" It is not included in the list of routine vaccinations, and therefore, before making the final decision, it is necessary to understand what are the vaccines against the flu for children, "for" and "against" carefully weighed, based on the scientific data and the individual characteristics of your child.

Arguments in favor of vaccination

1. First, you should know that if all the rules of the procedure are followed, the medical staff approaches the procedure with responsibility, and the biomaterial is of high quality, then the effectiveness of vaccinations reaches an impressive level of 75-90%.
2. Vaccinations against influenza for children, "for" and "against" which we are now considering, allow the weak organism to get specific immunity to the common virus.
3. The vaccine is protected not only from the flu itself, which, with all the recommendations of doctors, is treated quickly and easily, but also from its complications, some of which are very dangerous and even have a risk of death.
4. Speaking about vaccinations against influenza for children, "for" and "against" them, it is important to note one more argument. Vaccination is voluntary (that is, it is not necessary to vaccinate every year) and is free of charge and is performed for adults and children in polyclinics at the place of residence.

Nevertheless, there are also negative aspects to be mentioned.

Arguments against vaccination

1. Influenza virus is considered one of the most prone to mutations, mutations. That is, even despite the change in vaccines in accordance with the instructions of the WHO, the vaccine may simply not work.
2. There is always the likelihood that a low-quality vaccine will be introduced, or even a fake. In this case, the least unpleasant consequences that can be encountered are toxic and allergic reactions.
3. Considering vaccinations against influenza for children, "for" and "against" them, it should also be mentioned that some people are generally counter-indicative. It is only an experienced pediatrician who can identify the individual characteristics of the body that do not allow for a normal vaccination.
4. Even in completely healthy people, the body can respond to the introduction of bioactive material in an unexpected way. However, for the sake of justice we will say that such cases are quite rare today.

Choice of vaccine

Vaccination against the flu of 2013 and 2014 suggests the choice between domestic ("Grippol" medication) and imported drugs. Among the best imported products can be identified preparations "Influvak" (Holland), "Vaksigripp" (France) and "Begrivac" (Germany). However, if you vaccinate at the place of residence or work, you can count only on a vaccine produced domestically. All of the above drugs do not contain a "live" (artificially weakened) virus, but only proteins that cause a reciprocal immune response. Within a few days after vaccination, the temperature may rise and the well-being may deteriorate somewhat.

When should I not inoculate?

Vaccination against influenza to children rarely has individual contraindications, but your pediatrician will inform you about them. And in other cases it's enough just to know that the vaccine can not be done if:

• Intolerance to the protein of a chicken egg;
• With ARVI and ARI (or at first after the illness);
• At the time of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Whether a flu vaccine is needed for children, everyone decides for himself. However, remember that if you decided not to strengthen your child's immunity in this way, then this should be done differently.