The Pediatrician Answers:
Flu shots are generally given in October to allow the body 6-8 weeks to make antibodies to the virus. If a flu shot were to be given now (in February), then the antibody production would be too late to protect against the flu. Influenza season generally is over by about March or April.

Children probably should be getting flu shots more often that they do. Inflenza vaccine administration has been shown to decrease the secondary ear infections, etc., that are associated with influenza infection. Generally, flu shots are fairly inexpensive and can be given to children over six months of age. The first year that a child gets the flu shot, it is generally given as a "split dose." Children who have chronic illness (congenital heart disease, asthma, diabetes, etc.) SHOULD get flu shots every year. There is an intranasal flu vaccine under development which should make giving flu vaccine to children much easier.