It is "prime time" for children to get the flu vaccine. Historically, influenza season has started as early as Thanksgiving, and it tends to peak in January or February. The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months of age and older, as well as for household contacts of young children. A recent study published in the
November issue of Pediatrics confirms the effectiveness of the flu vaccine in kids, demonstrating a reduction by half in the number of medical visits for influenza infection in kids who were fully vaccinated. This is particularly important in kids less than 2 years of age, in whom hospitalizations, ear infections, and pneumonia are more common sequelae. The younger children are also "vectors" who pass infection on to other children and adults they come in contact with. Vaccinating the kids does protect everyone else in the community. We have the influenza vaccine available for all children and adults, including the preservative-free vaccine. At this time, we have limited supplies of the nasal spray flu vaccine, Flumist, available for children 2 years of age and older. Please call now for a nurse visit appointment -- these are available througout the week and on Saturday mornings for your convenience.