It's flu shot time, especially for kids - National Children'sHealth

A new policy statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics urges moms and dads to actearly this year in protecting their children from the flu. The severity of the flu varies from year toyear and because of this, it is extremely important to protect children of all ages from the variousstrains that exist.

More than one-hundred and fifty children died last year from the flu. While the influenza virus isdangerous for infants and young children, it is preventable. Remember, influenza can be contagiouseven 24 hours before symptoms start. Back to school time is hectic enough and the last thingparents want to worry about is their son or daughter coming down with the flu. Accompanied by thefever, body aches and cough the flu can also lead to severe discomfort and, if not treated quickly andeffectively, can lead to even more serious infections like pneumonia. For younger children it caneven be deadly.

"It's my job as both a pediatrician and a mother to make sure my patients and my own children areprotected during flu season." says Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director at Gramercy Pediatrics. "Last yearI had a few families who opted out of the flu vaccine. Sadly, when one of their children caught theflu, they ran to the office to get their other children vaccinated. They all regretted having not heededmy warning."

The timing of flu season is very unpredictable. "I wish it was as easy as marking our calendars forthe start of flu season," adds Dr. Hes. "The season can begin as early as October and can extend toFebruary or even later. For this reason, the earlier your children are immunized, the better chancethey'll have to ward off the virus when it rears its ugly head."

Here are some things for parents to consider when scheduling a flu shot for their children:

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children between the ages of6 months through 18 years get vaccinated every fall or winter. Two doses of the vaccine will berequired for children between the ages of 6 months to 9 years old who are receiving the flu shot forthe first time. The first dose should be given in September and the second dose (booster) at least 28days after the first.

2. Most kids who suffer from egg allergies can still be safely vaccinated by their pediatrician. A

consultation with an allergy specialist is recommended if a child has a history of severe allergicreactions to eggs. There is a new egg free vaccine on the market for adults ages 18-49. If you areseverely allergic to eggs, please consult your physician.

3. This year there are some new methods and options to consider when getting the flu shot. Goneare the days of the one size fits all solution, today there is something for everyone.

The traditional three-strain shot: As the name states, this shot protects against three separatestrains of influenza. The trivalent vaccine is made with two A viruses and one B virus. It'srecommended for everyone 6 months and older.

The four-strain shot: Protects against four strains of influenza. The quadrivalent vaccine protectsagainst an additional B strain. This is also the vaccine that will eventually replace the three-strainshot.

Nasal Spray: For children who are squeamish when it comes to needles (and many are), there'sFluMist Quadrivalent. It's a vaccine that is squirted into the nasal passages. The spray protectsagainst four strains of the influenza virus. It's important to note that FluMist is a weakened versionof live flu virus and is not recommended for everyone. It is not recommended for people withhypersensitivity to eggs, whether anaphylactic or non-anaphylactic. It is not given to childrenyounger than age 2 years or older than age 49 years or age 2 through 4 years with possible reactiveairways disease. (e.g. history of recurrent wheezing or a recent wheezing episode). Children or teenson an aspirin regimen or those suffering from asthma or breathing problems should not get FluMist.

Micro-needles: Rather than a single large needle, Fluzone Intradermal contains a panel of micro-needles, which are 90% smaller than the type used for the standard injection. These penetrate onlythe top layer of skin instead of the muscle. This year's version protects against three strains ofinfluenza. This shot too is approved for those aged 18-64.

Parents should also get the flu shot. This will ensure that they are not putting their own sons anddaughters at risk of contracting the virus this season. Babysitters, nannies, grandparents, oldersiblings, and any other caregivers should also get immunized as a precaution. This is an importantway to protect children of any age but especially those who are under the age of five or have achronic health problem like asthma or diabetes.

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