With colder weather approaching in Colorado, many activities are ramping up- exploring holiday markets, skiing down the slopes, stirring delicious hot chocolate in the evening– and, unfortunately, more school days missed because children are sick. Statistics from the previous flu season (2024-2025) show how serious influenza can be for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025) noted that since 2004 when influenza deaths became nationally recorded, this previous season had the highest number of pediatric deaths documented. This continues to support the need for prevention efforts against the flu, especially among young children, specifically calling attention to the most effective measure: the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective method to prevent children from becoming infected by the influenza virus- and to keep children healthy throughout the cold season.
What is the flu?
The "flu", or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can range from a mild to severe sickness and can affect anyone. Symptoms can include:
- Sudden onset of fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea & vomiting (especially in children) (CDPHE, 2025)
By contrast, Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection (RSV) is caused by a different virus. While symptoms overlap (coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing- especially in infants-and fever) the viruses are different, the risks differ, and the preventive strategies are different (Cook County Dept. of Public Health, 2025).
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine (or “flu shot”) is an immunization designed to protect against the influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
How it works: the vaccine contains either inactivated (killed) virus, or recombinant/manufactured parts of the virus (or in some cases live-attenuated virus for nasal spray) and is based on the previous year’s influenza virus (CDC, 2024). Since flu viruses change, everyone should receive the vaccine annually.
Most importantly, the vaccine cannot give a person the flu. While receiving the vaccine does not guarantee complete protection, the illness is likely to be milder and less likely to lead to hospitalization or death (PAHO, 2025).
Myths of the flu vaccine
Myth | Fact
|
The flu vaccine can give you the flu. | False. The injectable vaccines are made with inactivated virus or virus parts, so they cannot cause flu illness. |
If I am young and healthy, I do not need a flu shot. | False. Even otherwise healthy children and adults can become seriously ill from the flu, and vaccination also protects others by reducing spread. |
I had the flu last year, so I do not need the shot. | False. Flu viruses mutate (change), and last year’s vaccination does not guarantee immunity to this season’s strains. Annual vaccination is recommended. |
It is too late in the season to get vaccinated. | False. It is not too late– even after flu activity starts, vaccination can still provide benefit. |
Flu vaccines are dangerous and have serious side-effects. | The vast majority of side effects are mild (sore arm, low-grade fever). Serious adverse events are rare.; the risks of flu are far greater. |
(Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Support a healthy environment in classrooms and at home
Prevention in the broader environment helps reinforce the benefits of vaccination. Here are strategies to implement at home or in the child care settings during this cold season to help stop the spread of illness.
At home and in classrooms:
- Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water (especially after coughing or sneezing)
- Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
- Keep surfaces clean and disinfected (toys, door handles, counters)
- Know the signs of illness in children and adults
At home:
- If a family member is sick, try to limit close contact (especially with infants, children with chronic illnesses, or older adults)
- Promote good sleep, nutritious eating, and physical activity– supporting overall immune health
- Make sure everyone eligible receives their flu vaccine
- Communicate with your child about daily symptoms, checking in about how your child is feeling
In classrooms:
- Post signage reminding of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning protocols
- Encourage policies where children who are sick stay home until symptoms improve (fever-free, etc.) to reduce spread
- Provide tissues and hand-sanitizers in all classrooms
- Integrate health routines into daily learning to teach children about healthy habits and signs of sickness
- Manage shared materials thoughtfully by rotating materials, labeling items, and choosing washable toys whenever possible
- Have teachers, directors, and all staff model and reinforce healthy behaviors in the classroom
As our Colorado children head into classrooms and our winter months bring indoor gatherings, ensuring that children are protected from influenza is more important than ever. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for children 6 months and older. When combined with healthy practices at home and at school, we can help reduce the risk of illness, missed days, hospitalizations– and give our kids a better chance to fully enjoy the season.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding influenza, vaccinations, or any medical condition.
We understand that for personal, medical, or other reasons, you may choose not to have your child receive the flu vaccine. Our goal is to provide accurate information so families can make informed decisions that work best for them.
By Megan Chapman, ELV's Health and Safety Coordinator
References
Budd, A., Huang, S., Kniss, K., Reed, C., & Reinhart, K. (2025, September 25). Influenza-
associated pediatric deaths – United States, 2024-25 influenza season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7436a2.htm
RSV myths vs. facts. (2025, January 15). Cook County Dept. of Public Health.
https://cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/immunization-resources/rsv-myths-vs-facts/
Flu and children. (2024, September 5). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.html
Influenza. (2025, October 13). Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/influenza
Influenza vaccines explained. (2025, February 19). Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
https://www.paho.org/en/news/19-2-2025-influenza-vaccines-explained
Johnson, J. S. (2024, December 22). 6 common flu misconceptions. Mayo Clinic Health System.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/6-common-flu-misconceptions?
Selecting viruses for the seasonal influenza vaccine. (2024, March 12). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccine-process/vaccine-selection.html
