Flu Vaccine for Children in Delhi — Age, Doses & Timing

6 months is the starting line

Influenza vaccine is licensed from completed 6 months of age. Infants below that age cannot receive it, yet they carry one of the highest risks of severe influenza. The protection that works for them is indirect: the mother vaccinated during pregnancy passes antibodies across the placenta, and every adult and older sibling in the household is vaccinated so the virus does not reach the baby.

Two doses the first time, one every year after

A child aged 6 months to 8 years who has never had an influenza vaccine before needs two doses at least 4 weeks apart. One dose alone gives incomplete protection in this group. From the next season onwards a single annual dose maintains it. Children 9 years and older need only one dose, first time or not. If you are unsure what your child has had before, bring the immunisation card and we will work it out at the visit.

Dose volume by age

Children aged 6 through 35 months generally receive a 0.25 ml dose of quadrivalent influenza vaccine, subject to the licensed schedule of the brand in stock. From 3 years onwards the standard 0.5 ml dose is used. Some products are licensed at full volume from 6 months — the correct dose is confirmed against the child's age and the specific vaccine on the day rather than assumed in advance.

Timing for a Delhi child

North India has a monsoon influenza peak from June to September and a second winter wave from December to February. Vaccinating in April to June covers both. Immunity develops about two weeks after the injection and lasts 6–12 months, which is why the dose is annual. For a two-dose first-time schedule, start in April or early May so the second dose lands before the monsoon.

Children who should not miss a year

Asthma and recurrent wheeze · congenital heart disease · chronic kidney or liver disease · type 1 diabetes · neurological and neuromuscular conditions · immunosuppression, cancer treatment or post-transplant · long-term steroid or aspirin therapy · children in the same house as an infant under 6 months or an elderly grandparent. In these children influenza is far more likely to mean a hospital admission than a week at home.

What the visit looks like

A short review of the child's age, weight, immunisation history, allergies and current health, then the injection into the thigh (younger infants) or upper arm, followed by 15 minutes of observation. You leave with a written record showing the vaccine name, batch, date and the due date of the second dose if one is needed. Mention severe egg allergy, a previous reaction to influenza vaccine, or Guillain–Barré syndrome after a prior dose.

Book a child's flu vaccine in South Delhi

WhatsApp +91 98110 78388 with your child's date of birth and whether they have had a flu vaccine before, and we will confirm whether one or two doses are needed and hold a slot at C-58 Friends Colony East or Maharani Bagh Community Centre. Siblings and parents can be vaccinated in the same appointment.

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