At what age can infants start receiving the flu vaccine?

Infants can start receiving the flu vaccine at 6 months of age because this is when they begin to have a sufficient immune response to vaccines. The flu vaccine is recommended to be given annually to protect children and adults alike from influenza, especially given the potential severity of the illness in young children. Starting the vaccine at this age helps to provide early protection during flu season, as infants younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable and cannot receive the vaccine. Immunizing older infants helps to reduce the risk of severe complications associated with influenza.

Additionally, before 6 months, infants rely on passive immunity transferred from the mother, but this is not enough to fully protect against the flu virus. This is why the age of 6 months is a crucial milestone for the initiation of the flu vaccination.