Seasonal flu is not just a “bad cold”. In most children it passes without complications, but in some cases it can cause significant illness and even lead to hospital admission.
Annual flu vaccination is the main measure for preventing flu and especially its serious complications.
For the 2026–2027 season, flu vaccination has already started in Greece. Ministry of Health
Which children should be vaccinated?
According to the National Immunisation Programme, flu vaccination is recommended for children with a relevant indication based on their age or health condition. The current 2026 National Immunisation Programme for Children and Adolescents has been published by the Ministry of Health. Ministry of Health
Recommended vaccination of infants and children aged 6 months to 5 years is particularly important, as well as of older children and teenagers who have a chronic illness or another factor that increases the risk of flu complications.
These groups include children with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, neurological or neuromuscular conditions, immunosuppression and certain other risk factors.
The pediatrician can review the child’s history and let the family know whether vaccination is indicated.
One dose or two?
This is a point that often causes confusion.
Children aged 6 months to 8 years who have not previously been adequately vaccinated need two doses of flu vaccine, at least 4 weeks apart.
So the simple question “has my child ever had a flu jab?” is not always enough. The number of doses should be determined by the pediatrician based on the child’s age and previous doses received.
Older children over nine and those who have already been adequately vaccinated in previous years need one dose for the current flu season.
When is the right time for the vaccine?
Flu vaccination is given every year, because protection wanes over time and the composition of the vaccines is updated according to the virus strains expected to circulate.
Autumn is the right time to arrange vaccination, so that there is time to build immune protection before flu viruses circulate widely.
Especially when a young child needs two doses, it helps to schedule vaccination early, as the two doses must be at least four weeks apart.
However, if vaccination is not done on time in the autumn,
it does not mean “the chance has been missed”. It may still be worthwhile as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community.
Can the flu vaccine give you flu?
No. Injectable flu vaccines cannot cause flu.
After vaccination there may be mild, short-lived reactions such as pain or redness at the injection site, tiredness, muscle aches or a low-grade fever.
These reactions are usually mild and settle quickly.
“My child had the vaccine and still got sick”
The flu vaccine protects against flu, not against all the respiratory viruses that circulate in winter.
So a vaccinated child may still get a runny nose, cough or fever from RSV, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses or other infections.
In addition, no vaccine gives absolute protection. Flu vaccination is particularly valuable, however, because it helps reduce the risk of severe illness and complications from flu. For the 2026–2027 season the Ministry of Health again emphasises the importance of timely vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups. Ministry of Health
What if my child has a cold?
A simple cold without a significant effect on the child’s general condition
is not necessarily a reason to postpone vaccination.
However, when there is an acute illness with fever or the child is unwell, the pediatrician will judge whether it is better to postpone the vaccination.
So parents don’t need to cancel the appointment themselves just because a mild runny nose or slight cough has appeared.
A small act of prevention every autumn
Flu comes back every year, and with it the need to protect children at greater risk of serious illness.
Flu vaccination is an annual act of prevention, which should be tailored to each child’s age, medical history and previous vaccination history.
Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child belongs to the groups for whom this year’s flu vaccination is recommended, how many doses they need and when is the right time to give them.
For appointments and information, contact Dr. Giannis Ritsas, pediatrician Thessaloniki and pediatrician Evosmos.