7 YEAR OLD

Proactive in your child’s care.

Empowering families for over 50 years.

Please take the time to read through this material. We provide this information because

we see value in educating our patients.

Mansfield Office454 Chauncy StreetMansfield, MA 02048

(508) 339-9944

Westwood Office541 High Street

Westwood, MA 02090(781) 326-7700

www.wmpeds.com

VIDEOS

Let us help you be proactive and educated

in your child’s care!These following videos are just a few that we feel may help you and

your child at this specific age. Please view our website at

www.wmpeds.com for these and many more.

7 Year

Abdominal Pain

Ankle and Finger Injuries

Cuts and Lacerations: ‘To Stitch, or Not to Stitch?’

Sore Throats: ‘How to Perform a Strep Test’

Mansfield Office454 Chauncy StreetMansfield, MA 02048

(508) 339-9944

Westwood Office541 High Street

Westwood, MA 02090(781) 326-7700

www.wmpeds.com

7 Year Visit: Immunizations

Your child is due to receive the following immunizations at this visit:

NONE

We strongly recommend that all patients 6 months of age and older

receive an annual Influenza (flu) vaccine.

Please review the enclosed Vaccine Information Sheets (VISs) prior to

your visit for more information.

For our complete immunization schedule:

wmpeds.com/topic/immunization-schedule

Mansfield Office454 Chauncy StreetMansfield, MA 02048

(508) 339-9944

Westwood Office541 High Street

Westwood, MA 02090(781) 326-7700

www.wmpeds.com

Caring for Your School-Age Child

Description

This comprehensive health reference and a complete guideto the complex developmental issues of the middle years

includes more than 100 illustrations and offers up-to-date

information on:

Charting your child's physical, emotional, social, and

intellectual growth

Dealing with the gender-specific issues facing boys and girls as theyapproach adolescence

Recognizing your child's important emotional and social issues, includingmaking friends, school behavior, sex education, self-esteem, and

attention deficit disorder

Maintaining discipline and authority while forging a respectful

relationship with your child

Handling divorce, stepfamilies, adoption, sibling rivalry, and dual-working-parent households

Combating procrastination, laziness, aggressiveness or shyness, and bed-wetting

Understanding your child's inborn temperament--and how it affects thechild-parent relationship

Treating childhood injuries and ailments--a comprehensive health guide

And much more

Caring for Your School-Age Child is an essential childcare resource for all parentswho want to provide the very best care for their children!

Pediatric Advisor Search

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Calcium for Children and Teens

Index Related Topics

Why is calcium so important?

Calcium is the main mineral that strengthens bones. Getting enough calcium isimportant for everyone, but for children and teens, it is critical. These are theyears that bones are growing fast and calcium is being stored in the bone tomake them strong. Most of the stored calcium for bone strength is laid down byage 17. Helping your children get into the daily habit of eating enough calcium-rich foods decreases their risk for weak bones later in life.

How much calcium does my child need?

Unfortunately our children and teenagers are not getting enough calcium.National nutrition surveys show that most teen girls and almost half of teen boysare not getting the recommended amount of calcium they need. The amount ofcalcium in food is measured in milligrams (mg). For example, 1 cup of milk hasabout 300 mg of calcium in it.

The following are the recommended amounts of milk a child should drink every dayin order to meet most of their calcium needs. Other dairy products, calciumfortified and non-dairy sources of calcium can make up the difference.

1 to 3 years old

About 1 and 1/2 cups of whole milk (500 mg of calcium) per day. Children 2years of age and older can begin drinking low-fat or non-fat milk.

4 to 8 years old

About 2 cups of fat free or low-fat milk (800 mg of calcium) per day

9 to 18 years old

About 3 cups of fat free or low-fat milk (1300 mg of calcium) per day

of yogurt, 1 and 1/2 ounces of cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese.

Children from 1 through 18 years of age should get 400 IU of vitamin D per day.Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

What dairy foods are good sources of calcium?

Milk is one of the best sources of calcium. Babies under 1 year old should drinkbreast milk or iron-fortified formula. Children 1 to 2 years old should drink wholemilk because certain fats are needed for development during this early stage.Between the ages of 2 and 5 years, gradually switch from whole milk to low-fatmilk or fat-free milk. There are plenty of dairy foods other than plain milk that aregreat sources of calcium. Try to set a good example by eating foods high incalcium yourself. Here are some ideas for adding calcium to your family's diet.

Have low-fat or nonfat milk, cottage cheese with fruit, and yogurt availablefor snacks.

Cook hot cereals with milk instead of water.

Serve yogurt smoothies instead of juice.

Add yogurt to lunches or use as a dip when having a fruit snack.

Add lean shredded cheese to baked potatoes, vegetables, soups, andsalads.

Use milk when making cream soups instead of water.

Serve flavored milk or hot chocolate for an evening treat.

Use Parmesan cheese topping for Italian dishes. A 2 tbsp. serving addsabout 140 mg. of calcium.

Serve a healthy vegetable pizza made with low-fat cheese.

Serve lean mozzarella string cheese with crackers and fruit for a snack.

Make puddings with milk.

Aren't dairy products too high in fat to be healthy?

Whole milk dairy products are high in saturated fat and calories. Products with1% or 2% fat still contain some saturated fat and cholesterol, but less thanwhole milk products. The lower the fat the better. Nonfat products are greatbecause the fat and cholesterol are skimmed off leaving a food high in protein,vitamins and minerals. You get the same nutritional benefits without the excessfat, cholesterol, and calories. Look for non-fat or low-fat milk and yogurt in thestore. Choose reduced fat cheeses (available in all varieties, including mozzarella,Swiss, cottage and ricotta cheeses), and lower fat milk desserts such as frozenyogurt and low or non-fat ice cream. Non-fat buttermilk, plain yogurt, andcottage and ricotta cheeses can be used as substitutes for high fat ingredients,such as cream and sour cream in recipes.

Fortunately, there are nondairy products that are good sources of calcium.Several brands of calcium fortified juices, cereals, and soy foods are nowavailable. Green vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, and fish with soft, ediblebones, provide calcium too. Try adding some of these foods to your child's diet.

Calcium-fortified citrus juices

Calcium-fortified soy milk in several flavors

Leafy green vegetables

Sardines and salmon with eatable bones (kids often like salmon cakes)

Calcium-processed tofu

Pinto beans (or any dried bean) as a side dish or on salads

Bean burritos

Calcium-fortified waffles or pancakes

Calcium-fortified breakfast cereals (topped with rice milk or fortified soymilk)

Many food products, like cereal, list the amount of calcium per serving on thebox. Food labels list calcium as a percentage of the Daily Value (DV) based on1,000 mg of calcium per day. For example, a food product listing 30% calcium perserving would provide 300mg of calcium. Look for foods that provide 10% or moreof the daily value for calcium. The calcium from some nondairy choices, such asvegetables, beans, and soy, is not absorbed as well as that from dairy products.Although these foods make it easier to meet daily calcium needs, it still can behard to get enough without dairy products. It is best to get calcium from avariety of sources. Ask your healthcare provider or dietitian if your child shouldtake a calcium supplement.

Are calcium-fortified foods healthy and safe?

While many fortified products are good supplements, foods such as candy,flavored waters, and soda pop often have little or no nutritional value, other thanthe calcium. They are snack foods and should be eaten in limited amounts.Choose fortified foods that are already nutritious, such as whole grain cereals,breads, 100% fruit juices, or soy products.

Read labels. More does not always mean better. Calcium is best absorbed inamounts of 500 mg or less per serving. Keep your child's calcium needs in mindwhen you choose fortified products. Although rare, it is possible to get too muchcalcium through fortified foods.

The calcium in fortified fruit juices is well absorbed. Three 8 oz cups of fruit juicecontain about the same amount of calcium and calories as three 8 oz cups of lowfat milk.

What affects the body's ability to absorb calcium?

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption. Getting enough sunlight and choosing

Written by Terri Murphy, RD, CDE for RelayHealth.

Published by RelayHealth.Last modified: 2010-01-27Last reviewed: 2010-01-11

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomesavailable. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medicalevaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

ReferencesPediatric Advisor 2011.1 Index

© 2011 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

and discarding the liquid before cooking can also help.

Phosphates (in soft drinks). Negative effects may be from replacing milkwith soft drinks.

Some medicines, such as tetracycline (an antibiotic).

Caffeine (found in some soft drinks, energy drinks, tea, and coffee).Children and teens who drink these products instead of milk often don't getenough calcium.

These things can cause you to lose calcium:

Eating a lot of protein foods (such as meats, poultry and eggs). Themore protein is eaten, the more the calcium is lost. As long as your child'sdiet is balanced and contains enough calcium, this should not cause aproblem.

Eating a lot of salt. The more salt in the diet, the more calcium lost. Limitthe salt in your child's diet. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables andgetting enough calcium can help to offset the negative effects of a diettoo high in salt.

School-aged children—booster seats Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. The owner’s manual that comes with your car seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat. As a general guideline, a child has outgrown his forward-facing seat when any one of the following is true:

He reaches the top weight or height allowed for his seat with a harness. (These limits are listed on the seat and also included in the instruction booklet.)

His shoulders are above the top harness slots. His ears have reached the top of the seat.

Figure 5: Belt-positioning booster seat

Types of booster seats

Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly over strong bones. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in the adult lap and shoulder seat belts, typically when the child is around 4 feet 9 inches in height and 8 to 12 years old. Booster seats often have a plastic clip or guide to route the vehicle lap and shoulder belts. See the booster seat instruction booklet for directions on how to use the clip or guide.

Installation tips for booster seats

Booster seats usually are not secured to the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH, but simply rest on the vehicle seat and are held in place once the seat belt is fastened over the child. Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. When using a booster seat, make sure

The lap belt lies low and snug across your child’s upper thighs. The shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder.

Common questions

Q: What if my car only has lap belts in the back seat?

A: Lap belts work fine with rear-facing only, convertible, and forward-facing seats. If your car only has lap belts, use a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and higher weight limits. You also could

Check to see if shoulder belts can be installed in your vehicle. Use a travel vest (some can be used with lap belts). Consider buying another car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.

Q: Is there a difference between high-back and backless boosters?

A: Both types of boosters are designed to raise your child so the seat belts fit properly and both will reduce your child’s risk of injury in a crash. High-back boosters are useful in vehicles without head rests or with low seat backs. Many seats that look like high-back boosters are actually combination seats. They come with harnesses that can be used for smaller children and then removed for older children. Backless boosters are usually less expensive and are easier to move from one vehicle to another. Backless boosters can be used safely in vehicles with head rests and high seat backs.

Older children—seat belts Seat belts are made for adults. Your child should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly (usually when the child reaches about 4 feet 9 inches in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age). When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection.

Using a seat belt

1. An adult seat belt fits correctly when o The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or

throat. o The lap belt is low and snug across the upper thighs, not the belly. o Your child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her knees bent

without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip. 2. Other points to keep in mind when using seat belts include

o Make sure your child does not tuck the shoulder belt under her arm or behind her back. This leaves the upper body unprotected and adds extra slack into the seat belt system, putting your child at risk of severe injury in a crash or with sudden braking.

o Never allow anyone to “share” seat belts. All passengers must have their own car seats or seat belts.

Common questions

Q: I’ve seen products that say they can help make the seat belt fit better. Should we get one of these?

A: No, these products should not be used. They may actually interfere with proper seat belt fit by causing the lap belt to ride too high on the stomach and making the shoulder belt too loose. They can even damage the seat belt. This rule applies to car seats too; do not use any extra products unless they came with the seat. There are no federal safety standards for these products, and the AAP does not recommend they be used. As long as children are riding in the correct restraint for their size, they should not need to use additional devices.

Shopping for car seats When shopping for a car seat, keep the following tips in mind:

No one seat is the “best” or “safest.” The best seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive.

Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use.

Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car seat that o Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the

manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat. o Has any visible cracks on it. o Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without

these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled. o Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat. o Is missing parts. Used car seats often come without important parts. Check with

the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts. o Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site at www.safercar.gov.

Do not use seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash. Seats that were in a minor crash may still be safe to use, but some car seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one. The NHTSA considers a crash minor if all of the following are true:

o The vehicle could be driven away from the crash. o The vehicle door closest to the car seat was not damaged. o No one in the vehicle was injured. o The air bags did not go off. o You can’t see any damage to the car seat.

If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See "Manufacturer phone numbers and Web sites" for manufacturer contact information.

About air bags Front air bags are installed in all new cars. When used with seat belts, air bags work

very well to protect teenagers and adults. However, air bags can be very dangerous to children, particularly those riding in rear-facing car seats, and to preschool and young school-aged children who are not properly restrained. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a relatively low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car seat, and cause serious brain injury and death. Vehicles with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers are not the best choice for traveling with small children. However, the air bag can be turned off in some of these vehicles if the front seat is needed for a child passenger. See your vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

Side air bags are available in some new cars. They improve safety for adults in side-impact crashes. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about the air bags in your vehicle. Read your car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual for guidance on placing the seat next to a side air bag.

If you need installation help If you have questions or need help installing your car seat, find a certified CPS technician. Lists of certified CPS technicians and child seat fitting stations are available on the following Web sites:

NHTSA (or call NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236) SeatCheck (or call 866/SEATCHECK [866/732-8243]) National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians (or call 877/366-8154) This

site provides information in Spanish and also provides a list of CPS technicians with enhanced training in protection of children with special needs.

Important reminders 1. Be a good role model. Make sure you always wear your seat belt. This will help your

child form a lifelong habit of buckling up. 2. Make sure that everyone who transports your child uses the correct car seat or seat belt on

every trip, every time. Being consistent with car safety seat use is good parenting, reduces fussing and complaints, and is safest for your child.

3. Never leave your child alone in or around cars. Any of the following can happen when a child is left alone in or around a vehicle. A child can

o Die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes. o Be strangled by power windows, retracting seat belts, sunroofs, or accessories. o Knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion. o Be backed over when the vehicle backs up. o Become trapped in the trunk of the vehicle.

4. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions for your car seat, write or call the company’s customer

service department. They will ask you for the model number, name of seat, and date of manufacture. The manufacturer’s address and phone number are on the label on the seat. Also be sure to follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual about using car seats. Some manufacturers’ instructions may be available on their Web sites.

Figure 1 source: LATCH Makes Child Safety Seat Installation as Easy as 1-2-3 on NHTSA.gov. Accessed Janurary 1, 2012.

Figures 2, 4, and 5 by Wendy Wray.

Figure 3 from American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention and the Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Safe transportation of preterm and low birth weight infants at hospital discharge. Pediatrics. 2009;123;1424–1429.

cmch

Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston

Visit the Center on Media and Child Health

Types of Media

TV & Movies Music

Video Games Print Media

Cell Phones

*More media types coming soon includinginternet and advertising

Media and Your Child

Infants & Toddlers Preteens

Preschoolers Teens

School Age Children

www.cmch.tv/mentors_parents/

cmch

Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston

Center on Media and Child Health at www.cmch.tvto learn more about:

Types of Media

Print Media

*More media types coming soon including

Concerns about Media

Violence Fear

Overweight Sexual Behavior

Body Image

*More concerns coming soon including riskbehaviors and attention

Media and Your Child

Preteens

Teens

CMCH Tips for Media Use

Time Limits

Co-viewing

Media Literacy

Homework

www.cmch.tv/mentors_parents/

Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston

www.cmch.tv

Concerns about Media

Fear

Sexual Behavior

*More concerns coming soon including riskbehaviors and attention

CMCH Tips for Media Use

Media Ratings

VCRs & DVRs

Modeling

2011

10

2

3

5

8

9

7

6

4

1 switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk They have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but fewer calories and less saturated fat.

make half your grains whole grains To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product—such as eating whole-wheat bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice.

foods to eat less often Cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. They include cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, sweetened drinks, pizza, and fatty meats like ribs, sausages, bacon, and hot dogs. Use these foods as occasional treats, not everyday foods.

compare sodium in foods Use the Nutrition Facts label to choose lower sodium versions of foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Select canned foods labeled“low sodium,” ”reduced sodium,” or “no salt added.”

drink water instead of sugary drinks Cut calories by drinking water or unsweetened beverages. Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are a major source of added sugar, and calories, in American diets.

balance calories Find out how many calories YOU need for a day as a first step in managing your weight. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov to find your calorie level. Being physically active also helps you balance calories.

enjoy your food, but eat less Take the time to fully enjoy your food as you eat it. Eating too fast or when your attention is elsewhere may lead to eating toomany calories. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues before, during, and after meals. Use them to recognize when to eat and when you’ve had enough.

avoid oversized portions Use a smaller plate, bowl, and glass. Portion out foods before you eat. When eating out, choose a smaller size option, share a dish, or take home part of your meal.

foods to eat more often Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or 1% milk and dairy products. These foods have the nutrients you need for health—including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. Make them thebasis for meals and snacks.

make half your plate fruits and vegetables Choose red, orange, and dark-green vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with other vegetables for your meals. Add fruit to meals as part of main or side dishes or as dessert.

choose MyPlate10 tips to a great plate

Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle can be as simple as using these 10 Tips. Use the ideas in this list to balance your calories, to choose foods to eat more often, and to cut back on foods to eat less often.

DG TipSheet No. 1 June 2011 Center for Nutrition USDA is an equal opportunity Policy and Promotion provider and employer. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.

10 tips

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ChooseMyPlate.gov1 includes much of theconsumer and professional informationformerly found on MyPyramid.gov.

Also on the web Sample Menus for a Week

Food Group Based Recipes

Historical Development of FoodGuidance

Nutrition Communicators Network forPartners – Application Forms

All print-ready content

VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT

Influenza VaccineWhat You Need to Know

(Flu Vaccine, Inactivated)

2013-2014

Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis

Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis

1 Why get vaccinated?Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every winter, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, and can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact.Anyone can get flu, but the risk of getting flu is highest among children. Symptoms come on suddenly and may last several days. They can include:• fever/chills• sore throat• muscle aches• fatigue• cough• headache• runny or stuffy noseFlu can make some people much sicker than others. These people include young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions—such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. Flu vaccine is especially important for these people, and anyone in close contact with them.Flu can also lead to pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. It can cause diarrhea and seizures in children. Each year thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine is the best protection we have from flu and its complications. Flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading flu from person to person.

2 Inactivated flu vaccineThere are two types of influenza vaccine: You are getting an inactivated flu vaccine, which does not contain any live influenza virus. It is given by injection with a needle, and often called the “flu shot.”A different, live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils. This vaccine is described in a separate Vaccine Information Statement.

Flu vaccine is recommended every year. Children 6 months through 8 years of age should get two doses the first year they get vaccinated.Flu viruses are always changing. Each year’s flu vaccine is made to protect from viruses that are most likely to cause disease that year. While flu vaccine cannot prevent all cases of flu, it is our best defense against the disease. Inactivated flu vaccine protects against 3 or 4 different influenza viruses.It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination, and protection lasts several months to a year.Some illnesses that are not caused by influenza virus are often mistaken for flu. Flu vaccine will not prevent these illnesses. It can only prevent influenza.A “high-dose” flu vaccine is available for people 65 years of age and older. The person giving you the vaccine can tell you more about it.Some inactivated flu vaccine contains a very small amount of a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal. Studies have shown that thimerosal in vaccines is not harmful, but flu vaccines that do not contain a preservative are available.

3 Some people should not get this vaccine

Tell the person who gives you the vaccine:• If you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies. If

you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may be advised not to get a dose. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg.

• If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severeparalyzing illness, also called GBS). Some peoplewith a history of GBS should not get this vaccine. Thisshould be discussed with your doctor.

• If you are not feeling well. They might suggestwaiting until you feel better. But you should comeback.

4 Risks of a vaccine reactionWith a vaccine, like any medicine, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.Serious side effects are also possible, but are very rare. Inactivated flu vaccine does not contain live flu virus, so getting flu from this vaccine is not possible. Brief fainting spells and related symptoms (such as jerking movements) can happen after any medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after a vaccination can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or light-headed, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.Mild problems following inactivated flu vaccine: • soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was

given • hoarseness; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough• fever• aches• headache• itching• fatigueIf these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days. Moderate problems following inactivated flu vaccine:• Young children who get inactivated flu vaccine and

pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) at the same time may be at increased risk for seizures caused by fever. Ask your doctor for more information. Tell your doctor if a child who is getting flu vaccine has ever had a seizure.

Severe problems following inactivated flu vaccine:• A severe allergic reaction could occur after any

vaccine (estimated less than 1 in a million doses). • There is a small possibility that inactivated flu vaccine

could be associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated. This is much lower than the risk of severe complications from flu, which can be prevented by flu vaccine.

The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/

5 What if there is a serious reaction?

What should I look for?• Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of

a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or behavior changes.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

What should I do?• If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other

emergency that can’t wait, call 9-1-1 or get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.

• Afterward, the reaction should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS web site at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

VAERS is only for reporting reactions. They do not give medical advice.

6 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines.Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.

7 How can I learn more?• Ask your doctor.• Call your local or state health department.• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC): - Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or - Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu

Vaccine Information Statement (Interim) Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

07/26/2013Office Use Only