Flu vaccine and Flu season

This Influenza season is gearing up to be a very complicated one. As you have seen there have been numerous stories about H1N1 (swine) Flu addressing everything from its transmission to treatment to prevention. More about H1N1 in a moment.

Seasonal flu vaccine, both nasal spray and injection, should be available in mid-September and we have already scheduled flu clinics in the office from late September through November. Patients may also get vaccinated for flu at regularly scheduled well visits, sick visits or by calling and setting up a nurse appointment. As usual the office will send out an email with all dates and indications for those recommended to receive the vaccine.

While we encourage those recommended to receive their seasonal flu vaccine this will NOT protect against H1N1 (swine) flu.

There is currently a vaccine under trial to prevent infection with H1N1 influenza. Estimates are for the vaccine to be available in mid-October to November. Just released recommendations for receiving the vaccine are 1: Pregnant Women 2: Household contacts of children aged less than 6 mo during the flu season 3: Medical Personnel 4: Infants and children aged 6 mo to 18yrs 5: Persons with high risk medical conditions.

We don't yet know how effective the vaccine will be, what its side effects will be or how much of the vaccine will be available. As these questions are answered we will send out an email.

In the meantime continue to encourage your children to wash their hands frequently, keep them away from school if ill, keep them away from other ill children and call the office should they have the sudden onset of high fever, chills and malaise.

Dr. V