Pediatric Medical Associates - Flu Vaccine Update: 2009-2010

Influenza causes symptoms which may include sudden onset of high fever, chills, generalized muscle and body aches, fatigue, and headache. Respiratory symptoms including dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and swollen glands may also develop. Remember, there are many illnesses that can mimic influenza, but if your child does develop these or similar symptoms, feel free to call PMA for advice and to make an appointment if necessary. Also, remember to NEVER administer aspirin if you think your child may have the flu.

This season, we are anticipating the appearance of seasonal influenza in addition to the re-emergence of so-called “swine flu” or novel H1N1 influenza. As with last year’s flu vaccine, the available flu vaccine is a combination vaccine that will offer protection against both the seasonal influenza and “swine flu.”

For protection against influenza, PMA is recommending that children at high risk of developing flu should be vaccinated against the illness beginning in October. High priority groups include:

ALL children aged 6 months through 18 years of age;
Children 6 months or older with underlying chronic medical conditions, ie. heart or lung conditions including asthma, or other chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease; and
Children 6 months to 18 years on long term aspirin therapy.

The CDC also recommends that household contacts and caregivers of children from birth through 5 years of age receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Has a severe allergy to eggs (in those cases, we will arrange to have the vaccine provided by your child’s Allergist)
Had a previous severe reaction to the vaccine
Developed a paralytic condition called Guillain-Barre' syndrome within 6 weeks of previously receiving the vaccine
Has a moderate to severe illness with fever (wait until your child is better before receiving the vaccine)
Is less than 6 months of age

Current recommendations are for all children aged 6 months to less than 9 years to receive 2 doses of the vaccine administered one month apart, if they have not received flu vaccine in previous years, if their flu vaccine status is unknown. Note that we anticipate having adequate supplies of the inactivated, injectible flu vaccine for your child this flu season. Please note that we have chosen not to offer the live intranasal vaccine (FluMist) during the 2011-2012 flu season.

PMA now has the flu vaccine available for your child. Call to schedule an appointment. Please check with our office if you desire influenza vaccination for your child, and to verify if your child is eligible to receive the vaccine. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child, and feel you may be a suitable candidate for the vaccine, call your own personal physician to ask about vaccine availability. Here is a helpful link which will thoroughly address your questions about this year’s flu vaccine. Please call our office if you have additional questions!

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