Who Should Get Them?
As always, the seasonal Flu vaccine is recommended for all children ages 6 mos through 18 years.
It is especially important for children with asthma, heart disease, or other chronic medical conditions to get this vaccine.
It is also important for infants under age 2 and children under age 4, as they are a high risk group, as well as for caregivers and family members of infants under 6 months of age.
When Should They Be Given?
The typical Seasonal Flu season usually begins in December or January, so it is recommended to get vaccinated by the middle of December if possible.
The H1N1, or Swine Flu, season is different and has already appeared. We ARE seeing cases of this in the north shore area as of October, 2009.
Thus, the H1N1 vaccine is best given as soon as its available for the best protection.
What Forms of Flu Vaccine Exist?
There is an injectable "shot" that can be given to those above 6 months of age. This is NOT for individuals with severe egg allergy.
There is also a nasal spray "Flumist" that can be given to those above 2 years of age. This is NOT recommended for those with immune system problems or with asthma or recurrent wheezing.
Neither vaccines should be given to anyone who has had an allergic reaction to flu vaccine in the past, or who has had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
What Is Available At Elm Street Pediatrics For Seasonal Flu Vaccines?
For the Seasonal Flu, we currently as of October 2009 have adequate supplies of the Flumist to vaccinate all children who are able to receive it.
We also have injectable Flushot for those children who cannot get the mist, either due to age <2 years old or due to asthma or other chronic medical conditions.
However, like most other offices, our deliveries of the Flushot have been delayed due to the concern about H1N1 vaccine. Thus, we currently have a shortage of the injectable flu vaccine and are reserving the current stock of Flushot for those who cannot get the mist. Next month, in November, we expect to get the remaining doses of the Flu shot and it will be available at that time for the families who want it. Because the seasonal Flu does not start until December or January typically, this is ample time to receive the vaccine.
What Is Available At Elm Street Pediatrics For H1N1 Flu Vaccines?
Good question. We currently have not received our supply of this vaccine.
It is recommended that children under age 10 receive 2 doses, the second given 4-6 weeks (minimum 3 weeks) after the first. Children over 10 years old need only one dose.
Immunity develops approximately 10 days after the vaccine is given.
We anticipate being shipped the first doses by the middle to end of October and will update the blog every Thursday with details.
It will be given on a priority basis according to a Tier System:
Tier 1: pregnant women, healthcare workers, families with infants <6 mos old, children aged 6 mos-4 yrs, and children aged 5-18 yrs with asthma or chronic medical conditions
Tier 2: healthy people aged 5-24 yrs, people aged 25-64 yrs with chronic medical conditions
Tier 3: all others
As the H1N1 Flu is currently being seen in our area, this vaccine will be given out as soon as we receive our shipment.
For details about this vaccine and lists of who gets it first, and for information about treatment, please see the links below.
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
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