News
INFLUENZA FAQ 2010-2011 FLU SEASON
Posted on: 08/27/2010
Q: Is flu vaccine safe?
A: Flu vaccine is very safe. It has been used for many years. Typical side effects are mild redness and soreness at the injection site for injectable and runny nose, nasal congestion, and headache for nasal mist.
Q: How long will the vaccine protect my child?
A: Both the injectable and mist forms of flu vaccine will provide protection through flu season this winter.
Q: Could I get the flu even if I get the vaccine?
A: No immunization is 100% effective, so it is possible, but unlikely, that your child could get the flu even though they were vaccinated. They will likely get a milder case of flu if they were vaccinated.
Q: Do they cover same types of flu strain?
A: Both kinds of flu vaccine contain the exact same flu strains, and all brands contain the exact same flu strains.
Q: Does the flu vaccine this year contain the H1N1 virus or do we need to get a second kind of flu vaccine?
A: All flu vaccine this season contains Novel H1N1, so the seasonal flu vaccine is the only flu vaccine this season.
Q: Will my child need one dose or two doses of flu vaccine this year?
A: If your child is at least 6 months old and under 9 years old, the number of flu vaccine doses needed is determined by how many doses your child received of seasonal or H1N1 in the previous year. It is very important to inform our office of any doses of seasonal or H1N1 vaccine that your child may have received other than our office. If they are 9 years or older, they only need one dose of flu vaccine this year.
Q: Will AHP be having flu clinics this year:
A: Yes. We hope to begin flu clinics on Saturday 09/11/10 from 9AM till Noon, and every Saturday after that until the Saturday before Thanksgiving or possibly beyond. Appointments are required.
Q: What are the age requirements for flu vaccine?
A: Flu Mist is approved for ages 2 years through 49 years of age. Injectable full dose vaccine is approved for ages 3 years and older. Injectable pediatric vaccine is approved for age 6 months through 35 months.
Q: Do we need to schedule a well child exam to get a flu shot?
A: No, you may schedule flu shots on the nurses’ schedule.
Q: Can my child get a flu vaccine if he/she is allergic to eggs?
A: People with a severe egg allergy should not receive flu vaccine. People should discuss with physician who can eat foods containing eggs, like pancakes or noodles, may get a flu shot.
Q: If my child has asthma, should they get a flu vaccine?
A: It is so important for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to receive the injectable flu vaccine, not Flu Mist. The Flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.
Q: Is the mist vaccine as effective as the injectable flu vaccine?
A: Both vaccine types are equally effective.
Q: What companies do we buy vaccine from?
A: We buy Flu Mist from MedImmune. We buy all forms of injectable flu vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur.
Q: Does flu vaccine contain preservative or thimerosol?
A: Flu Mist and injectable flu vaccine for babies 6 months through 35 months is preservative-free. The majority of our doses of injectable vaccine for 3years and older does contain a small amount of thimerosol.
Q: Will insurance cover the cost of flu vaccine?
A: We do not charge copay for flu vaccine. Coverage depends on your individual policy, so check with your insurance company.
