Why is the flu vaccine offered to children?
The government offers ‘Five reasons to have the flu vaccine’:
1. Protect your child
The vaccine will help protect your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
2. Protect you, your family and friends
Vaccinating your child will help protect more vulnerable friends and family.
3. No injection needed
The nasal spray is painless and easy to have.
4. It’s better than having flu
The nasal spray helps protect against flu, has been given to millions of children worldwide and has an excellent safety record.
5. Avoid costs
If your child gets flu, you may have to take time off work or arrange alternative childcare.
Notice that only two of these are about protecting the child. No references or data are offered for these claims.
The NHS says that flu can be very unpleasant for children, sometimes causing serious problems (e.g. pneumonia). Children are also given the flu vaccine with the goal of protecting others (e.g. babies and older people).
The NHS also gives details of which children are not suitable for the nasal flu vaccine. If your child is unwell, you should not give it to them:
Is it okay to vaccinate children for the sake of others?
Historically, the flu vaccine was given to the elderly and those with specific health risks. It wasn’t on the childhood schedule.
It was introduced for preschool children on the basis that they were at slightly higher risk and tended to be slower to clear the virus. (Helping them to clear it faster was a benefit to others.)
As recently as 2017-18, the flu vaccine was not offered after primary school year 4.
If it’s the wider community that benefits from a child being vaccinated, rather than the child themselves, is that ethical? Does it follow the principles of informed consent?
The General Medical Council’s guide – Decision making and consent – states that:
‘Decision making is an ongoing process focused on meaningful dialogue: the exchange of relevant information specific to the individual patient.’ (Emphasis ours.)