Influenza Immunizations (“Flu Shots” and Flu Mist)
for 2009
This post contains important information about when flu shots
and flu mist will be given in 2009 in Advanced Pediatrics.
The schedule appears at the end of this posting. Feel free to
skip to the schedule to make your plans. Or to read all about
influenza, swine flu, and immunizations.
A more intense year for influenza virus
As we all know, this flu season is heavy with concern about just what
the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus will be like.
As a result there will clearly be more interest in being protected against
all influenza viruses this year, and very likely a greater chance of your
child being kept out of child care and/or school with a fever.
The difference between regular and H1N1 (swine flu) influenza
Before we present how to get influenza immunizations at Advanced
Pediatrics this year, let’s quickly review the differences between regular
and H1N1 (swine flu) influenza.
Regular influenza is an infection from a virus that:
- mainly hits areas of the body that contact air (eyes/nose/ears/throat/lungs)
- infects people in our region of the country December-April
- comes back every year in slightly altered form, a very regular occurence
- can be dangerous to the young, ill, and elderly
- causes 30,000 deaths a year, mainly in the elderly
H1N1 (swine flu) influenza is an infection from a virus that:
- mainly hits areas of the body that contact air but also the gut.
- is a newly mutated type of influenza virus
- so we do not know when it will be here again
- it was widespread this summer in the US, much less so now
- in the spring and summer of ’09 it was quite mild
- If it comes back it may be just as mild as this summer’s bout, or more severe
The Advanced Pediatrics 2009 Influenza Immunizations Program
Because of the H1N1 (swine flu) influenza virus, we anticipate a greater
number of visits to the office to evaluate flu-like illnesses and more
people asking for influenza immunizations.
To make this work as smoothly as possible, we are setting aside two
Wednesday late afternoons and three Saturday mornings to be just for
influenza immunizations. Influenza immunizations will only be given
during regular health supervision visits (check-ups) or these special
influenza immunization times.
If you come in for an influenza immunization visit, please try to keep
that appointment devoted to just that purpose. In order to avoid keeping
you or other families waiting, we would ask any other medical concerns
be addressed at any other time. Thanks.
Who Should be Immunized?
- All children from ages 6 months old and up
- Anyone living with a child from 0-18 years of age
- Anyone over 50 years of age
- Anyone living with someone over 50 years of age
- All people 6 months and up with a chronic illness
- Anyone living with someone with a chronic illness
Who Can Advanced Pediatrics Immunize?
In the interest of providing influenza immunizations to as many
children as possible, Advanced Pediatrics will make it available only to
- All current patients 6 months of age and older
- Mothers of children ages 0-6 months old
Which influenza vaccine should my child receive?
There are two options: a shot or a nasal spray.
The shot contains no live virus and can be given to anyone ages
6 months-18 years old, unless you are allergic to eggs or reacted
badly to flu shots in the past.
The nasal spray (FluMist) has live virus in it and can be administered
to children ages 2 years and older. It cannot be given to anyone with
egg allergy, previous severe reaction, or asthma or other serious chronic
conditions.
When Can I Make an Influenza Immunization Appointment?
If you have a check up this fall, you can get the immunization then.
If not, please call to set up a 5 minute immunization appointment during
one of these times, at the Advanced Pediatrics office:
These Saturday mornings from 8AM to Noon:
October 3 8AM to Noon
October 24 8AM to Noon
November 21 8AM to Noon
These Late Wednesday Afternoons, 4-7PM:
October 7 4-7PM
October 21 4-7 PM
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) Immunization?
As of the moment of this posting no immunizations for
H1N1 influenza (swine flu) exist.
There is a H1N1 influenza (swine flu) immunization being
developed right now, that may be available sometime in October.
This is a product being rushed to market, for the laudable
goal of having such a vaccine available in case the
returning H1N1 influenza (swine flu) turns out to be far more
dangerous than it was this summer.
With all this in mind, Advanced Pediatrics, as with everyone else,
will not have H1N1 influenza (swine flu) immunizations available
anytime in September of 2009.
Once the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) immunization becomes
available, Advanced Pediatrics will assess how dangerous the
H1N1 influenza (swine flu) infections are this fall and winter.
If the returning H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus proves to be
rather harmless, Advanced Pediatrics will advise against the
use of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) immunization.
If the returning H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus proves to be
very dangerous, Advanced Pediatrics will advise you to get
the two shot H1N1 influenza (swine flu) immunization for your
children.
Dr. Lavin
*Disclaimer*
The comments contained in this electronic source of information do not constitute and are not designed to imply that they constitute any form of individual medical advice. The information provided is purely for informational purposes only and not relevant to any person’s particular medical condition or situation. If you have any medical concerns about yourself or your family please contact your physician immediately. In order to provide our patients the best uninfluenced information that science has to offer,we do not accept samples of drugs, advertising tchotchkes, money, food, or any item from outside vendors.
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