Experts recommend flu shots for all babies starting at 6 months old – with a few exceptions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make this recommendation because the youngest children are especially vulnerable to the influenza viruses that cause the flu – and are at greater risk if they catch it. Children under age 2 who get the flu are more likely to develop serious complications and require hospitalization.
It's most effective to get the annual vaccine as soon as it's available in the fall, to allow time for immunity to build up before the flu season is in full swing. But if you miss it in the fall, or your child turns 6 months old during the winter, it's not too late to get the vaccine in January or even February.
If you have any questions about whether your child should receive the vaccine, talk with his or her doctor.
For more information, see our full article, The flu vaccine for children.