Insights by Dr. Monica Molina, pediatrician at Orange Doctors of Kids and Teens, part of Rady Children’s Health
Your baby’s first line of defense against the flu
As a parent, protecting your baby is always top of mind, especially during flu season. While there are many ways to help keep your little one healthy, babies younger than 6 months face a unique challenge: They are too young to receive a flu vaccine themselves.
The good news? There are still important steps families can take to help protect babies during these vulnerable first months of life. One of the most effective strategies is called cocooning.
What is cocooning?
Cocooning is the practice of surrounding a baby with vaccinated family members and caregivers to create a protective shield against illness.
Because infants younger than 6 months cannot receive a flu vaccine, the people who spend time with them become their first line of defense. When parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers and other close contacts get vaccinated against the flu, they are less likely to bring the virus home and expose the baby.
Think of it this way: If the people around your baby are protected, your baby is better protected, too.
Why are babies under 6 months at higher risk?
Babies’ immune systems are still developing during their first months of life, making it harder for them to fight off infections.
In fact, infants younger than 6 months experience some of the highest rates of flu-related hospitalization of any age group. Even a routine illness can become more serious for a young infant.
Since babies cannot get their own flu vaccine until they reach 6 months of age, protecting them requires a team effort from the people around them.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone who has regular contact with your baby should stay up to date on their annual flu vaccine, including:
- Parents and guardians
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Babysitters and caregivers
- Close relatives and friends who visit frequently
Older children are especially important to consider. School-age siblings often bring home germs from classrooms, sports, daycare settings and social activities, even when they appear healthy.
Other ways to help protect your baby
Vaccination is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of flu, but there are additional everyday habits that can help keep your baby healthy.
Wash your hands often
Wash your hands before feeding, holding or caring for your baby.
Stay home when you’re sick
If you’re feeling ill, avoid close contact with your baby whenever possible and allow a healthy caregiver to step in.
Consider wearing a mask
If you must care for your baby while you’re sick, wearing a mask may help reduce the spread of respiratory germs.
Continue breastfeeding, if possible
Breast milk contains maternal antibodies that can help support your baby’s immune system and provide additional protection during infancy.
When can babies get their flu vaccine?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year.
Once your baby reaches 6 months, talk with your pediatrician about getting them vaccinated. Their first flu vaccine is an important milestone that helps provide direct protection against influenza.
Experts recommend getting vaccinated before flu activity begins to increase in your community, ideally by the end of October, although vaccination later in the season can still offer protection.
A family effort that makes a difference
During your baby’s first six months, they rely on the adults and older children around them for protection. By getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene and staying home when sick, your family can help create a safer environment during flu season.
Until your baby is old enough to receive their own flu vaccine, cocooning is a simple but powerful way to help keep them healthy.
Talk with your pediatrician about flu vaccination for your family and when your baby should receive their first flu vaccine at 6 months of age.
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From babies to teens, pediatricians from CHOC’s Primary Care Network partner with parents to offer immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more.
