Flu vaccination can be scheduled as soon as flu vaccine arrives, usually around August, and can continue into late spring.
Flu vaccine is indicated for everyone over 6 months of age, each year.
It is especially important for those at high risk of receiving complications from the flu to get vaccinated. Please click here for the CDC recommendations.
Receiving a vaccine each year is important because coverage from the vaccine only lasts for about 1 year.
This year’s vaccine is the same as last year, it covers against 3 – strains of the flu, including the 2009 H1N1, but you need to receive a dose this year to protect you this year!
Ask your provider if your child younger than 9 years of age needs to receive 2 doses of vaccine this year, for those that only receive one dose but require 2, it may only be 50-60% effective.
Let’s look forward to a healthy 2011-2012!
Resources
Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine
Flu Information