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MANGALURU: Misleading information being fed to parents, that flu shots may help prevent Covid-19, has seen paediatricians being flooded with enquiries for flu shots, after reports emerged that a third wave of Covid-19 is expected to particularly affect children.

Dr Santosh T Soans, professor and HoD paediatrics, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, said that paediatricians are getting enquiries on flu shots across India.

Dr Soans, who heads the scientific chair for the International Paediatric Association, 2023, told TOI that there were reports that BCG and MMR vaccines could help prevent Covid-19, but there has been no evidence to suggest the same. A recent meeting with of the paediatric task force with Maharashtra government doctors discussed the importance of routine vaccination, and this was probably misunderstood as flu shots will help prevent Covid-19, he said.

“Every child up to the age of 5 can get about 2-3 attacks of flu, and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommends giving flu shots to children every year, up to the age of five, especially in the months of May and June. Amidst the pandemic, in case a child gets fever, then parents’ apprehension increases,” he said.

Dr Soundarya M, paediatrician, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, also said there is a rise in enquiries for flu shots from parents. The flu vaccine covers the influenza virus Type A and B, causing the flu, and not the novel coronavirus. Pricing for the vaccine to prevent flu ranges from Rs 1,000- to Rs 1,500. The vaccine can be administered to children above 6 months. Children require two doses for initial vaccination and immunity. Yearly booster doses are recommended, as the strain causing influenza changes, and the newer vaccines provide protection against the latest strains. International guidelines advise boosters in children with respiratory illnesses like chronic lung disease and asthma, she said.

Dr Prashanth Gowda, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, said though flu vaccination may not provide safety from the novel coronavirus, but will certainly reduce the burden of flu, and therefore the demand for flu shots is more. Flu shots will also reduce the complications of Covid-19 cases among children. Wearing masks and frequent hand washing will not only help in preventing Covid-19 but will also reduce the risk of getting flu.