Everyday parents want to know what they can do to improve the health of their children. This time of year, one of my patent answers is to vaccinate for influenza a.k.a. get the “flu” shot.
Current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are to vaccinate all children, both healthy and with high-risk conditions, ages 6 months through 18 years.
Expansion to all school-aged children targets the population that bears the greatest disease burden and is at significantly higher risk of needing influenza-related medical care compared with healthy adults.
The “flu” shot is an inactivated vaccine that contains killed viruses and, therefore, cannot produce an active viral infection. The “flu” shot is administered intramuscularly to people who are 6 months of age and older, including those who are healthy and those with chronic medical conditions.
The viruses for the influenza vaccine are grown in eggs and should not be administered to anyone with known allergic reactions to chicken and egg proteins. It is also important for parents to know that other routine pediatric vaccines may be given the same day that your child gets the “flu” shot. Children with a moderate to severe febrile illness on the day of a planned vaccination should wait until the illness has resolved.
Besides the vaccine, take everyday steps to prevent the spread of influenza. Clean your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. Tell your child to stay away from people who are sick and keep hands away from face. If your child does become ill, they should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the “flu” to other children.
For more information on this topic speak with your Family Physician or Pediatrician or go to www.cdc.gov/flu or http://www.aap.org/.
Kathy Dixon, MD is a Family Physician with Marion Independent Physician Association at 1069 Delaware Avenue.
