Welcome to our first Newsletter.
!! HAPPY FALL 2009!!
We will attempt to keep this current and not too complicated
- Hopefully all children will be back at school by this Friday September 11th!
- We start flu clinics this Saturday September 12th, then most Tuesdays through October 10th. Please call to schedule an appointment!
- Flu vaccines: there are 2 flu vaccines available this fall. One is for the seasonal flu, which is recommended for all children ages 6 months through 18 years, and is currently available at our office. It can be given either after a well-check visit or through scheduling a nurse visit or at one of our flu clinics. The second is for the H1N1 flu, and is currently in trials being tested by the CDC. We anticipate having this vaccine available in October or November.
- UPDATE on H1N1--- so far, this is just the 'flu and possibly milder than the regular seasonal flu. We saw many cases in the Spring, and undoubtably there will be a resurgence this fall; however it seems that it is generally a mild illness and the recommendation currently is not to treat otherwise well children with antiviral medication. As well as protecting the child, immunizing children also decreases the spread of the disease. Children tend to be the main vector for spreading respiratory diseases.
- The regular vaccine does contain thimerisol as does the flumist- the live attenuated nasal vaccine. There is a mercury/thimerisol free vaccine available, and we often will have it, based on availability. Despite claims to the contrary and after massive research thimerisol has not been shown to be detrimental.
- Vaccine for H1N1 - will be available late October early November. It is going to be provided by 5 different manufacturers and there will only be an administration fee. However there will be a strict protocol as to who is eligible especially at the begining, when the supply is limited. Talk to your doctor if your child has special needs. Those in the first tier include, in order, pregnant Mothers, health care workers who have direct patient contact, people who care for those under 6 months. After this come children 6 months to 4 years and those ages 5-18 with chronical medical condtions.
- There are several interesting and well-written pages with information about the H1N1 flu and vaccine. Please click the following links for details:
- http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/01/parents.h1n1.flu.guide.gupta/index.html?iref=newssearch
- http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/20/h1n1.flu.kids.trial/index.html?iref=newssearch
- Dr Nelson will be overseas from September 22 and will be back in the office October 26th-she will be available by email, please call the office for details.
