Why does my son or daughter need the flu vaccine?

Influenza is an illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads easily and quickly when infected people cough or sneeze. The flu can be mild or severe and, in some cases, cause death. It’s important for children to receive the flu vaccine not only to protect themselves, but to protect others whose bodies may not be able to fight the virus, including infants, the elderly and people with chronic health problems.