FLU VACCINE
Protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza. Get your flu vaccine this year. Influenza causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations each year. The influenza vaccine is still the best way to prevent influenza and it’s complications. Unlike previous years, sufficient supplies of the vaccine should be available this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that everyone wanting to get a flu vaccine this year should be able to receive one.
Everyone wanting to avoid influenza and its complications should receive the influenza vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend influenza vaccine for all infants 6 months to 59 months, their household contacts, out-of-home caregivers as well as those children with heart or lung disease, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, anemia, HIV/AIDS or any other illness that suppresses the immune system. These children are at increased risk of developing complications if they contract influenza. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine is not a live vaccine and will not cause the flu. The best time to receive the vaccine is in October and November, however, vaccination in December can still be beneficial.
This year there is an option to receive an intranasal vaccine called FluMist. FluMist is a live intranasal influenza vaccine and is indicated only for healthy children over 2 years of age and should not be given to any child with chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, allergic rhinits or asthma or any disease or therapy that alters the immune system. Please contact our office for futher information.
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