Children's Flu Shot Recommendations 2010-2011

The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) new promotional ad says, "The Flu Ends with U. This Season protect yourself - and those around you - by getting a flu vaccine."

With this advertisement motto, the CDC is encouraging people to consider their own health and that of family, friends and co-workers. All adults are included in the vaccine recommendations, not just certain age or risk groups. To be clear, anyone age 6 months or older is eligible and recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine.

The big news this year is there is no need to get one shot against seasonal flu combination and then a separate, second shot against H1N1 flu. They are all together in one vaccination. The vaccination process will be easier for patients and medical staff this year, because inoculation against the viruses will be in one dose.

Special Situations

While it is true the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccines are combined in one dose together this year, some children need two doses at least 4 weeks apart. The CDC says these special situations include children ages 6 months to age 8 years who either/or: 1) Have never had a flu shot, 2) It is unknown whether or not they ever got a flu shot, 3) They only had 1 dose of H1N1 flu shot in 2009-10 season, 4) Got their first seasonal flu shot ever in 2009-10 and only received 1 dose.

Children ages 6 months up to age 2 years should receive the inactive virus vaccine. Children older than age 2 whose health issues put them at high risk, such as children with autoimmune disorders such as asthma, severe allergies, arthritis, cancers and other illnesses, should also receive only the inactive virus vaccine.

Healthy children age 2 through adults of age 49 can receive the live virus vaccine, which is a nasal spray immunization known by the brand name FluMist, instead of an injection. Consult with the licensed physician who is familiar with the child's medical history to determine which version of the combination H1N1 and seasonal immunization vaccine is best for any child.

Bring Vaccination Record

Regarding all children to age 18, it is advised the child's shot record be brought along when any shot is to be administered, so that the child's vaccination record is correct, current and complete. That is best done by bringing the vaccination record to the shot appointment or retail site where flu shots are being dispensed.

This is especially important when using convenient vaccination clinics other than the child's own physician who has the original copy of all the child's vaccines to date. Nurses at retail store and community parks and recreation public clinics do not have access to the child's health records to verify the shot history. It is the parent or guardian responsibility to bring a copy of the child's shot records when getting a flu shot, throwing error opportunity is out the door.

Sources

Immunization Action Coalition
Center for Disease Control
Your New Flu Vaccine by Richard Knox at NPR

Disclaimer

This article is intended only for informational purposes. No medical advice is inferred or promised. Always seek counsel with a licensed physician who can personally review individual patient history and medical needs.