12/12/2017
10 Things To Know About Flu Vaccination In 2017-2018:
1. All Children Over 6 Months: The flu vaccine should be given to everyone 6 months and older. Babies and young children (6 months to 8 years) who have never had a flu shot will need 2 doses of the vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart.
2. Pregnant Moms High Risk: Flu vaccine should be given to all women who are pregnant, considering pregnancy, in the postpartum period or are breastfeeding during the flu season. The vaccine is safe to get at any time during pregnancy. Mom’s immune response (making antibodies to the virus) are passed onto the baby in the final stages of pregnancy and protect newborns too young to get the shot. A double win!
3. Only The Shot: This year, like last year, the nasal flu spray is not recommended because data showed that it was less effective in protecting children and their families from the most common strains of flu circulating.
4. Timing: Get your vaccine now! Influenza peaks in early winter typically but of anything that’s predictable, it’s that influenza is unpredictable. Being immunized 2 weeks prior to an exposure is the best way to be protected. Most doctors and nurses and hospital workers will all have their vaccine in September and October.
5. Children With Egg Allergies: are OK to get the shot and do not need to go to an allergist to get the vaccine.
6. Flu Shot Can’t Cause Influenza: The flu shot doesn’t cause flu infection. The shot is not a live virus vaccine, it’s an inactivated vaccine, and it can’t replicate in the body.
7. Lots Of Vaccine Available: Flu shots will likely be at your pediatrician’s office soon. There will be about 150 to 166 million doses of the vaccine produced.
8. Side Effects: most commonly are pain in the arm or leg at the injection site. About 10-30% of children under age 2 years will get a fever whereas fever is rare after flu shots in older children and adults.
9. Thimerosal: is a preservative used in multi-dose vaccines like influenza. There are thimerosal-free formulations, as well, if you’re concerned about the preservative. Thimerosal has never been shown to cause health problems.
10. You Don’t Want Influenza, Get The Shot: Families, who have experienced influenza in their home always get the flu shot thereafter. On average, most years the vaccines anywhere from about 50 to 60% effective. Some people feel it’s not good enough — but remember if you don’t get the vaccine you have absolutely zero added protection when exposed.
