Most healthy children who get the influenza virus recover without any serious problems. For this reason, flu shots are not essential for children.

However, healthy children between ages 6 months and 23 months tend to get the flu more frequently and are more likely to need to be cared for in the hospital if they develop serious symptoms. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has encouraged children in this age group to get the flu vaccine if possible. The vaccine is safe for children older than 6 months.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both strongly recommend the flu shot for children who are at greater risk for developing serious complications from the viral infection. These people include the following:

• Adults and children older than 6 months with chronic lung disease, such as asthma.
• Adults and children older than 6 months with chronic heart disease.
• Children and teenagers who are on chronic aspirin therapy (for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, for example) and are at risk for developing Reye's syndrome if they get influenza.
• Children with immune system problems caused by illness (such as HIV/AIDS) or medication (such as steroids).
• Women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during flu season.
• Adults and children who are hospitalized, live in institutions or dormitories or need regular medical care.

Remember, most healthy children don't need a flu shot.

The influenza vaccine can be given any time of the year, like other immunizations. However, the best time to get it is between September and mid-November, if possible, since that is when the virus is most common. The protection from the vaccine lasts an entire year.

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