Flu Shots for Kids in Altoona: Why October Is the Time to Get Vaccinated
With fall in full swing across Blair County, flu season is not far behind, and October is the sweet spot for getting your child vaccinated. At Pediatric Healthcare Associates, flu vaccine questions are among the most common we hear this time of year. Here is what Altoona-area parents should know for the 2026-2027 season.
Why the Flu Vaccine Matters for Kids
Flu is more than a bad cold. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the 2025-26 season was another high-severity one for children, with 190 pediatric flu deaths, 85% of them in unvaccinated children. A CDC study cited by the AAP found that vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related death in children and teens by 80%. Yet only about half of children aged 6 months through 17 years had received a flu vaccine through mid-May 2026.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The AAP recommends annual flu vaccination for all children 6 months and older without medical contraindications, and any licensed vaccine appropriate for your child’s age and health can be used, with no preference for one product over another. Vaccinating the whole household also helps protect babies under 6 months, who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
How Many Doses Does My Child Need?
Per the AAP’s 2026-27 guidance, children 6 months through 8 years who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time, or who have had only one dose ever before July 1, 2026, should receive two doses at least four weeks apart, ideally finished by the end of October. Everyone else needs one dose, also ideally by the end of October. Because the two-dose series takes a month, starting early matters.
Can It Be Given With Other Vaccines?
Yes. The AAP supports giving the flu vaccine at the same visit as other vaccines, and current guidance says it can be given at the same time as, or before or after, a COVID-19 vaccine. That makes a well-child visit a convenient time to catch up on everything at once, and a good moment to ask your provider which vaccines your child is due for.
Flu Symptoms to Recognize
Even vaccinated children can catch the flu, though illness is usually milder. Watch for:
- Sudden fever, chills, and body aches
- Cough, sore throat, and congestion
- Headache and unusual fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea, more common in younger children
Not sure whether it’s flu or a cold? Our Symptom Checker covers Fever and Cough & Cold guidance to help you decide on next steps. If your child develops trouble breathing, a fever that won’t come down, dehydration, or seems unusually sleepy, schedule a same-day sick visit or seek emergency care.
Everyday Habits That Help
- Wash hands often, especially before meals
- Teach kids to cough into their elbows
- Keep sick children home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- Disinfect shared surfaces during peak season
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flu shot give my child the flu? No. Flu shots contain inactivated or non-infectious components and cannot cause influenza.
Is it too late once flu starts circulating? No. Vaccination remains worthwhile throughout the season.
Are there other fall vaccines to ask about? Our providers can review COVID-19 and RSV options for your child’s age and risk factors.
Schedule Your Child’s Flu Vaccine
Call our Altoona or Roaring Spring office to ask about flu vaccine availability and scheduling. Visit our FAQ page, contact us, or call (814) 944-7383.