Flu Vaccine

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The end of summer and the start of school signal the start of flu vaccine season. In 2010 the H1N1 strain was included in the seasonal vaccine, thus, everyone will need fewer flu vaccines. Some children will need two doses of the vaccine. Most will need only one dose. The CDC now recommends that every child over six months of age and every adult be vaccinated for the flu.

We cannot predict in advance when flu will strike and how severe it will be. 2009 was an unusual year as a result of H1N1. We were hit hard by flu in spring and early fall and there were a disproportionate number of children who became ill, needed hospitalization and even died. We expect H1N1 to now act like a more typical seasonal flu virus.

Remember New Jersey law now requires every child five years of age and younger who attend pre-school or day care to receive the flu vaccine. One more way to protect children from the flu, especially those under six months of age who cannot be vaccinated, is for their parents to be vaccinated.

One other vaccine note: the new Prevnar vaccine protects against the bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia and other infections. It now contains additional strains of the bacteria. Children younger than five who have completed the Prevnar series should receive one booster dose of the new version.