- Vaccination is recommended as the best way to prevent children from getting the seasonal flu virus.
- It is recommended that children 6 months through 18 years receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
- Children with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, are at particular risk of developing complications if they become infected with any kind of flu; therefore they should be vaccinated.
- Children with known, severe allergic reactions (i.e., hives, allergic asthma or systemic anaphylaxis) to chicken or egg proteins cannot receive these flu vaccines.
- Healthy children from the age of 2 are eligible to receive the intranasal mist vaccine.
- The intranasal should not be administered if certain medical conditions exist (be sure to ask your medical provider about this).
- Some types of seasonal vaccine contain Thimerosal, while others do not. If this ingredient is of concern to you, be sure to discuss your concerns with your medical provider before your child receives the flu vaccine.
H1N1 flu
- The infection rate for H1N1 is highest for those 5-24 years of age.
- Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the seasonal flu (see above), but more frequently may include diarrhea and vomiting.
- The CDC recommends that all children above 6 months old should receive the vaccine.
- Children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, should receive the vaccine.
- Children with known, severe allergic reactions (i.e., hives, allergic asthma or systemic anaphylaxis) to chicken or egg proteins cannot receive these vaccines.
- No child under 6 months of age should receive the vaccine, but their parents and caretakers should.
- The same technology that has been used to develop the seasonal flu vaccine was used to developed the H1N1 vaccine.
- Most healthy children do not need anti-viral medications to recover from H1N1.
- Some children who are thought to be at risk for complications may be treated with anti-viral medications.
- In most cases, children with H1N1 can be treated with over-the-counter fever reducers and medications to ease discomfort associated other symptoms. If concerning symptoms occur, seek medical attention.
- Some types of seasonal vaccine contain Thimerosal, while others do not. If this ingredient is of concern to you, be sure to discuss your concerns with your medical provider before your child receives the flu vaccine.
- The risk to benefit ratio of receiving the H1N1 vaccine is excellent, according to recent, available medical evidence. Be sure to discuss any safety concerns you may have with your medical provider.
Additional Link:
Kids' video takes aim at H1N1 flu virus |
