Delaying the Flu vaccine

Can the Flu vaccine be delayed?

Yes, but it is seasonal, so a delay means missing that season.

Delaying means a longer stretch during which your child has less protection than the CDC's on-time schedule would give, and sometimes more visits overall. It does not make the vaccine less effective once the series is complete. Whether that trade-off suits your child is a decision for you and your child's healthcare practitioner.

What changes if you start later?

Flu is not a fixed series. Timing follows the season and product, so a later start does not change a dose count the way it does for the infant series.

• Given every year in the fall/winter, starting at age 6 months.
• First-ever flu season for a child under 9: 2 doses ≥4 weeks apart; otherwise 1 dose/year.
• Flu vaccine is yearly, so this plan shows only the FIRST season (never-vaccinated child): 2 doses ≥4 weeks apart under age 9, 1 dose from age 9. Repeat 1 dose each fall after that; a child who already had 2 earlier doses needs only 1. Plan with your child's healthcare practitioner each fall.

Compare all vaccines or read how delayed schedules work.

What are the risks of waiting?

Flu complications are more likely in children younger than 5, especially younger than 2.

• The CDC says children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2, and children of any age with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications.
• Flu vaccine is given each season, so a delay means going without it for that season.

Sources: Flu and children at higher risk .

What are the minimum ages and intervals for Flu?

Flu is not planned as a fixed series. Flu vaccine is given each fall or winter from 6 months of age. A child under 9 getting it for the first time needs 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.

How do you catch up on Flu?

The CDC says a vaccine series does not need to be restarted, however much time has passed between doses; doses already given still count. See the catch-up schedule guide.

• Flu vaccine is given each fall or winter from 6 months of age. A child under 9 getting it for the first time needs 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.

Is the Flu vaccine required for school?

In our state data, none of the 51 jurisdictions (50 states and DC) lists Flu as a kindergarten requirement. Some may require it for childcare, and rules change, so check your state page.

Look up your state. Many states also allow provisional enrollment while a series is in progress.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Flu vaccine be delayed?

Yes, but it is seasonal, so a delay means missing that season. Flu is not a fixed series. Timing follows the season and product, so a later start does not change a dose count the way it does for the infant series.

What are the risks of delaying the Flu vaccine?

The CDC says children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2, and children of any age with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. Flu vaccine is given each season, so a delay means going without it for that season.

What is the minimum age for the Flu vaccine?

Flu is given from 6 months of age. Flu vaccine is given each fall or winter from 6 months of age. A child under 9 getting it for the first time needs 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.

Is the Flu vaccine required for school?

In our state data, none of the 51 jurisdictions (50 states and DC) lists Flu as a kindergarten requirement. Some may require it for childcare, and rules change, so check your state page.