Should a eleven year old get a flu shot?

Answer 1

Most definitely yes. Children and young adults are the groups most effected by the Swine Flu and most deaths are occurring in the age group. Get you child vaccinated, esp. if they are in contact with other children through school or daycares or even interacting with siblings.

Answer 2

Yes, children should get flu shots. Both the seasonal flu as well as the swine flu vaccinations. Children are the biggest spreader of viruses and also at high risk for the swine flu and flu complications. Babies under 6 months old can not safely be given vaccines since their immune systems are not yet ready for it. After 6 months until up to age 10, a series of two vaccinations is usually required.

Answer 3

Yes, unless they have Allergies to the ingredients, are too young for them or there is a specific medical condition present in the child that would cause an undesirable reaction. Ask the child's pediatrician for a schedule for their recommended vaccines.

Vaccinations are well proven to be safer than the diseases that they are intended to prevent, some of which are deadly or can cause severe debilitation (like polio). The safety of vaccinations is tested and monitored. For the latest vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, see the related links below.

You will see and hear many opinions that they are unsafe, but this is not scientifically correct for the majority of children. See also below for information on how to know if what you read on the internet is correct or false and misleading.

Answer 4

Your doctor can decide that, but typically children under 10 do need an initial flu vaccination, followed in approximately a month by a second one, since their immune systems are not yet mature enough to create the necessary antibodies without a second exposure to the antigen (vaccine).

Answer 5

Yes. Everyone who can, should be vaccinated for the flu before the beginning of the flu season. Unless the teen has an allergy or other condition that prevents them from taking a vaccination for the flu, they should get a flu vaccination either by shot (two types of shots are available in the 2011-2012 flu season: intramuscular vaccine as well as intradermal vaccine ) or by using an intra-nasal spray (if they are among those who can use the live attenuated vaccines). Infants under 6 months old can not be vaccinated for the flu.

See more information about the new intradermal vaccine in the related question below.

Answer 6

Yes, it affects them more than adults, even to the point of being deadly.

Answer 7

Yes certainly. It will afford them valuable protections.

Answer 8

If your medical practitioner says the 11 year old should have one, yes. Otherwise no.