Should We Get the Flu Shot Again This Year? Advice from a Doctor Dad

Written by Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist, Medical Contents Director of MoDoc AI) | 2025-10-22

The 2024-25 flu season was the worst since 2017-18. Many parents are wondering if this year will be just as bad and whether vaccination is really necessary. Here's what you need to know: 89% of children who died from the flu last season were unvaccinated.

Why Last Season Was So Devastating

Two factors created a "perfect storm" last season. First, the H3N2 virus that dominated is particularly dangerous for young children. Second, childhood flu vaccination rates hit a 10-year low at just 49%, down from 62% pre-pandemic. This combination led to rapid virus spread and more severe outcomes.

Three Common Myths About Flu Vaccines

"My healthy child will be fine if they get the flu." Not true. Nearly half of pediatric flu deaths last season were in previously healthy children with no underlying conditions. The average time from first symptoms to death was just 4 days.

"The vaccine doesn't really work." The data says otherwise. Last season's flu vaccine was 63-78% effective at preventing hospitalization in children. Even when vaccinated kids got the flu, they were 74% less likely to end up in the ICU.

"The flu shot can give you the flu." Impossible. Flu vaccines contain either inactivated viruses or no virus at all. Any mild symptoms after vaccination are just your immune system building protection.

What Parents Should Do Now

Get your family vaccinated immediately—it takes two weeks to build immunity. Everyone 6 months and older needs an annual flu shot. Children under 9 getting their first flu vaccine may need two doses, four weeks apart.

Beyond vaccination, maintain good hygiene: frequent handwashing, covering coughs with your elbow, and staying home when sick. And don't worry about egg allergies—the CDC confirmed in 2024 that all children can safely receive flu vaccines regardless.

The Bottom Line

The vaccine isn't perfect, but it's our best defense. Last season, despite low uptake, flu vaccines still prevented up to 360,000 hospitalizations and 39,000 deaths. Don't let last season's tragedy become this year's regret. Schedule your child's flu shot today.

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Dr. Sam Ahn is a board-certified family medicine physician and medical advisor for MoDoc AI's FeverCoach. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.