Free flu vaccines for kids this year

Alberta has joined most of the rest of the country in offering flu shots to children for free this year, on the advice of the Canadian Pediatric Society.

The society recommended the jabs for all healthy babies between six months and 23 months of age, because too many infants are going to hospitals with the flu.

• INDEPTH: Flu

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Yukon and Northwest Territories are now offering or will introduce free flu shots for infants.

Saskatchewan offers free flu shots for children with chronic health conditions.

In some provinces, doctors may charge a fee to administer the shots.

• LINK: Alberta Health: Who should get a flu shot?
  

Alberta says it's paying for the shots because it will keep young children out of hospital.

"Children in that age group are actually at risk for hospitalization due to complications for influenza," said John Tuckwell, a spokesman for Alberta Health.

Last year in Canada, four children died of influenza-related causes.

Most years, about 1,000 children under 16 are hospitalized with flu complications.

Studies in the U.S. suggest babies are at as high a risk of ending up in hospital as seniors, according to Dr. Joanne Embree, head of the infectious diseases and immunization committee at the Canadian Pediatric Society.

"It does cause a significant burden on the health care system and it's a very significant burden for children and their families," said Embree.

By paying for the vaccine, provincial and territorial governments are sending the message that it's important for children to be protected against the flu, said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health in Nova Scotia.

"I think the impact will be fewer sicker children, fewer children having to be hospitalized," said Strang. "It will also have a significant impact on the spread of influenza because we know often that influenza starts in children and is spread to adults."

The pediatricians are also encouraging parents to have their older, school-aged children vaccinated.

For those under nine, it takes two needles to protect against flu in the first year; after that, one annual jab works to keep the virus at bay.