Back to school means more than notebooks and homework. It means flu season is just around the corner. Come to our first flu vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 10th from 530-7pm.
We have a second flu clinic planned for Saturday, October 12th from 11-1 along with our POPULAR FAMILY FUN DAY!! This timing allows for those kids under 9 years of age receiving flu vaccine for the first time to get their second dose 4 weeks later.
Here are some flu vaccine facts:
- We only carry the injectable vaccine.
- It’s preservative free.
- All children 6 months and older should be vaccinated.
- Even kids with egg allergy can get flu vaccine unless they have true anaphylaxis from egg (and even these kids can get it–they just have to go to the allergist’s office)!
- Colds, diarrhea, coughs and other minor illnesses are no reason to avoid getting the vaccine.
- If you have a fever of 101 or higher in the last 24 hours you should wait to get the vaccine.
- You can’t get the flu from the shot–it’s not a live virus vaccine!
Here are some facts about influenza:
- The flu shot protects against Influenza.
- Influenza is a viral illness that gives high fever, severe body aches, cough, runny nose, and can lead to pneumonia.
- Hundreds of otherwise healthy children die as a result of influenza infection every year.
- The flu shot doesn’t protect against the stomach flu–that is caused by different viruses!
Does the vaccine always work?
The Influenza vaccine isn’t perfect. Some people will still get a mild illness if exposed during the season but the vaccine does a great job of preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It completely prevents illness in 60-80% of children who receive the vaccine each year.
Who shouldn’t get flu vaccine?
The only reason not to get flu vaccine is if you have a history of a very rare condition called Guillan-Barre.
