Flu Vaccine Information from Ridgefield Pediatrics

Flu Season 2011-2012
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Has Started To Arrive!

The Clinic Dates for 2011 are: 

• Every Saturday in October (except Oct. 29)
• Wednesday afternoons on Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22

Please make your appointment soon!

It’s that time of year again for your child’s seasonal flu vaccine. Although flu vaccine is not approved for use in infants younger than 6 months old, the risk is higher in these young infants, therefore the best way to protect them is to make sure members of their household and their caregivers are vaccinated. Children aged 6 months up to their 5th birthday, are more likely to be taken to a doctor, an urgent care center, or the emergency room because of the flu than healthy older children.

Children from 6-21 years will be back to school soon and sharing germs!  Start thinking about protecting your children from cold viruses and the flu! 

We have received a few shipments of the Live Intranasal Flu Vaccine (FluMist) and the seasonal Inactivated Flu Vaccine and will continue to receive orders over the next month. All of our flu vaccine is THIMEROSAL free. The difference in these vaccines is the following:

The Flu Mist is a (weakened) influenza vaccine offered to healthy children age 2 and older.  This vaccine  is sprayed into the nostrils  (Click here for the CDC Vaccine Information Sheet for Live intranasal Influenza Vaccine). Some children are not candidates for this flu vaccine. These children include:

• Children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year.
• Children who have long-term health problems with heart, lung, kidney, liver, or metabolic diseases.
• Children with asthma
• Children with anemia, and or other blood disorders
• Children with egg allergies
• Children with muscle or nerve disorders
• Children with a weakened immune system
• Children on a long-term aspirin treatment
• Children who may be in close contact with someone whose immune system is weak that require a protected environment
• Children with life threatening allergies

Seasonal Flu Mist (Click here for the CDC's Vaccine Information Sheet for Inactivated Influenza Vaccine) is available and will be given to children 6 months of age and older. There are a few children who should not get this vaccine. Please consult with one of our providers before making a decision.

• Children with severe (life threatening allergies)
• Children with a severe allergy to eggs
• Let your provider know if your child has had a severe reaction after a dose of flu vaccine
• Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillian-Barre Syndrome
• If your child is moderately or severely ill, they should usually wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine.  Children with a mild illness can usually get the flu vaccine.

Please note that if your child is 6 months to 9 years of age, they will need to get 2 doses of flu vaccine 4 or more weeks apart during their first season of vaccination. The first dose should be given as vaccine becomes available, and the second dose should be given 28 more days after the first dose. The first dose “primes” the immune system: the second dose provides immune protection.  Children who only get one dose but need two doses can have reduced protection from a single dose of flu vaccine. If your child needs the two doses, begin the process early, so that children are protected before influenza starts circulating in your community.  Be sure to follow up to get your child a second dose if they need one. It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin. 

If your child is scheduled for a physical or has an appointment in September and October, we will offer the Flu Vaccine at that time. If you prefer, we have Flu Clinics on Wednesdays and Saturdays.   Please call for an appointment.

The Clinic Dates for 2011 are: 

• Every Saturday in October (except Oct. 29)
• Wednesday afternoons on Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22

As we receive shipments – we will offer more clinics!  Stay tuned…..

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