Flu Season Information
FLU VACCINATION INFORMATION 2011-2012
Seasonal Flu
Flu season is upon us and it is time for everyone to get their flu vaccinations. We at Pediatric Associates of Richmond, Inc. hope you find this information helpful in clarifying questions or concerns you may have regarding Influenza and the vaccines available to protect you from this illness. This year we are offering 2 forms of Influenza vaccine. As in prior years, we will be offering the flu shot (Fluzone) but we will also be offering the flu nasal spray (Flumist). We have outlined the differences below.
Each year, children enter our offices with a myriad of illnesses. Unfortunately, few of these illnesses are preventable, i.e. the common cold, ear infections, stomach bugs. However, during the winter months, there is one illness that predominates usually for about 8 weeks. This illness is Influenza (“flu”) and it is for the most part preventable. The symptoms of Influenza are similar to many other viruses that cause the common cold; however, the severity of the illness and the fatigue that accompany the other symptoms are what differentiate it. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills and muscle aches. Influenza can also cause more severe illness, especially in the very young, elderly or people who are deemed “high risk” individuals (people with heart or lung conditions). The most common complication is pneumonia. The risk of complications from the flu requiring hospitalization is high in children less than 2 years and so they are considered high risk. Therefore, it is extremely important that those children and their caregivers get vaccinated. Every year over 200,000 people are hospitalized for the flu and 36,000 people die from it.
This year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all children age 6 months through 18 years be vaccinated against Influenza. These new recommendations are to take full effect by the 2009-2010 flu season. Studies show that children are the primary source of spread of Influenza; therefore, if we vaccinate more children, not only will they be protected but their family and caregivers will be better protected as well. Furthermore, children are more likely to require medical care due to influenza or its complications than healthy adults.
Who should get the vaccine?
Children age 6 months through 18 years
Siblings and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
Children with asthma, heart disease or other chronic medical problems
Children or adults in close contact with someone who has chronic medical problems or asthma
What vaccines are available?
Fluzone: This is an inactivated vaccine that is injected into a muscle. It is a killed virus and therefore can not cause influenza infection. This vaccine lasts about 1 year and contains the 3 strains of influenza that are predicted to circulate in the U.S. this flu season.
Doses: This vaccine is approved for children 6 months and older. Only 1 dose of vaccine is required for children 9 years and older. In children less than 9 years old who have never received any form of flu vaccine, 2 doses are recommended given 4 weeks apart. Two doses are also recommended if your child has only received 1 dose of any flu vaccine in the prior season. If your child has been vaccinated more than 1 season but only with 1 vaccine each of those seasons, he or she will still only need 1 vaccine.
Side Effects: The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site and fever (usually within 24 hours after vaccination). Fever is most common in children less than 2 years. Other less common side effects are tiredness, headache, muscle aches and chills.
Restrictions: Your child should not receive the Fluzone if he or she is allergic to eggs, latex or thimerosal or if they have a moderate to severe febrile illness or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Cost: The cost for Fluzone is $45 for children less than 3 years old and $50 for children over 3 years. Most insurance companies cover this vaccine. Please check with your insurance company prior to scheduling the flu shot.
Flumist: This is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nostrils. It is called a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine. Although this vaccine contains live virus, because it is weakened, it can not cause the flu. This vaccine lasts about 1 year and contains the 3 strains of the influenza that are predicted to circulate the U.S. this flu season. Some studies show that this vaccine provides better protection against mismatched strains and therefore, may be considered superior to the injectable flu vaccine.
Doses: This vaccine is approved for children 2 years and older. Flumist is not approved for adults over 49 years. Only 1 dose of vaccine is required for children 9 years and older. In children less than 9 years old who have never received any form of flu vaccine, 2 doses are recommended given 4 weeks apart. Two doses are also recommended if your child has only received 1 dose of any flu vaccine in the prior season. If your child has been vaccinated more than 1 season but only with 1 vaccine each of those seasons, he or she will still only need 1 vaccine.
Side Effects: The most common side effects are runny nose, nasal congestion or cough, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Restrictions: Your child should not receive Flumist if your child has any of the conditions listed below.
Severe allergy to eggs
Current fever
Immune system problems
Taken oral steroids within the past 4 weeks
Asthma or lung disease, i.e.; Cystic Fibrosis
Wheezing in the last 12 months if your child is less than 5 years old
Chronic medical illnesses
Receiving immunosuppressive therapies including chronic aspirin therapy
Pregnancy
History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Received a live virus vaccine within the last 4 weeks
Cost: The cost for Flumist is $60. Most insurance companies cover this vaccine. Please contact your insurance company prior to scheduling the Flumist.
The flu vaccine season is a very busy and somewhat stressful time for us. We are trying to vaccinate as many children as possible to keep everyone safe while balancing our supply and trying to be fair to all of our patients. For this reason, we offer our vaccine on a first come first serve basis. Also, we do not “save” second doses because it is better to have as many children vaccinated as possible. To maintain the most current information with regards to our supply of vaccine, we are asking that you schedule your appointment for either the Fluzone or Flumist. We will be updating this website on a regular basis so that parents can have the most up to date information with regards to supply and dates offered.
We have provided copies of our consent forms on our home page for you to download and bring to your appointment. If you have questions you may call us prior to your appointment or we can answer your questions when you come in for the visit. We have also provided the CDC vaccine information sheets for your convenience. These sheets will answer the most common questions.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics: Policy Statement Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2010-2011; Committee on Infectious Diseases; Pediatrics Published 8/30/2010.
www.pediatrics.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Questions and Answers: The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV]); Last modified 1/22/08
www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray/htm
American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases Policy Statement; Prevention of Influenza: Recommendations for Influenza Immunization in Children, 2008-2009. Released 8/8/08
www.aap.org
CDC Vaccine Information Sheets:
Flu Shot Vaccine Information Sheet
Flu Mist Vaccine Information Sheet