At what age is the first flu shot recommended?

The recommendation for the first flu shot is at 6 months of age. This timing is critical because influenza can pose significant health risks to infants and young children. Immunization helps protect this vulnerable group from the flu, which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or complications.

At 6 months, most infants are beginning to have their immune systems develop adequately to respond to the vaccine. The flu vaccine is designed to trigger an immune response that prepares the body to fight the influenza virus in future exposures. While young children may have some immunity passed from their mothers, this maternal immunity wanes over the first few months of life, making vaccination crucial for maintaining protection against seasonal influenza.

The subsequent annual flu vaccinations are also recommended, starting at 6 months of age, to boost immunity as the virus evolves and to provide ongoing protection throughout childhood and into adulthood.