It feels like summer is just getting started, and bam, here it is almost fall. And after fall comes winter, and with winter comes...influenza. From year to year we never know how bad the flu season is going to be. Some years we hardly see any. But some years it is awful. And kids with influenza are miserable. 'Shoot me now!' kind of miserable. "But we've never gotten the flu before!" you say. As Dr. Buchanan says, "I've never been in a car accident, but I still wear my seatbelt." Do yourself a favor and protect your kids.
Right now we have flu vaccine (mist and shot) for children 6 months and older with regular insurance. We currently do not have flu vaccine for children with Medicaid, CHIP, self pay or underinsured. We'll be getting more, and don't you worry--we'll keep you posted :)
Starting in September, flu clinic days will be on and by appointment only:
Tuesdays 4-7, Wednesdays 9-1, Fridays 2-4 and Saturdays 9-1
{a little info from the CDC}
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.
There are two types of vaccines:
· The “flu shot” — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Flu Shot: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS)
· “Flu-Mist” —a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Nasal Spray: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS)
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
Yearly flu vaccination should begin AS SOON AS VACCINE IS AVAILABLE and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.
Labels: flu 2011