INFLUENZA VACCINE (“Flu Shot”)The flu shot is recommended each fall for all children 6 months of age and older. It is over 90% effective in preventing infection with the Influenza A & B viruses. It does not protect against any other viruses, including many illnesses we commonly call “the flu” – it is specific for Influenza. It is made up of killed Influenza viruses which when injected cause an immune response. The viruses in the vaccine are dead, so it cannot cause Influenza illness – any illness that seems associated with the vaccine is purely coincidental. It does not protect against the many other respiratory viruses, so you may still get sick with any of those viruses even though you have been vaccinated against Influenza.

The vaccine must be given each fall because the Influenza virus mutates (changes itself) frequently, resulting in different “strains” each year (i.e. the Russian Flu, the Swine Flu, the Asian Flu, etc.). The Center for Disease Control is responsible for determining, as best as they can, the strains that are most likely to be active that year. Occasionally, the virus mutates so rapidly that a strain of flu slips by without getting included in the vaccine – that is why the vaccine is not 100% effective.

Influenza becomes active very predictably each year around January, and beings to go dormant around March. We begin administering the vaccine in September-October, as soon as it is released, to allow time for your child to build an immune response. We stop stop giving the vaccine for that year in the spring.

Side effects are uncommon - mild redness and swelling at the injection site and occasionally low-grade fever or aches. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and much less than the serious complications that can develop with Influenza infection. The vaccine should be given even during mild colds or ear infections, and can be given along with other childhood vaccines.

The vaccine is indicated for ALL CHILDREN 6 months of age or older. Premature infants should be vaccinated when they turn 6 months actual age. Children less than 9 years of age who are receiving the vaccine for the first time should receive a second “booster” one month after the first dose.

For more information visit out website, ppatucson.com, and read the blogs about the Influenza virus and the vaccine.