THE IMPORTANCE OF FLU SHOTS
The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Tots'N'Teens Pediatrics recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. A new flu vaccine is created each year to protect against the strains of flu that are predicted to be most prevalent that year. The vaccines usually arrive in our office in September. Although the flu vaccine may not be %100 effective in preventing the flu, vaccinated patients who do get the flu tend to have milder symptoms and shorter duration of illness than those who did not receive a flu vaccine that year
Children at greatest risk of serious flu-related complications include:
Children younger than 6 months old. These children are too young to be vaccinated. The best way to protect them is to make sure those around them are vaccinated.
Children aged 6 months up to their 5th birthday
American Indian or Alaskan Native children Children aged 6 months through 18 years with chronic health problems including asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders and weakened immune systems.
Children should be vaccinated every flu season for the best protection against the flu. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that children get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading.
Children under age 9 years who are receiving their first flu vaccine need a second dose one month after the first.
Please contact our office today with any questions and to schedule your child's vaccination starting in September.