Many people have questions around the flu vaccine this year.
The best way to protect you and your family is via the flu shot 2019/2020.
Here are 8 tips and recommendations taken via the American Academy of Pediatrics, WHO and CDC.
All children from 6 months to 8 years require 2 quadrivalent inactivated influenza shots separated 4 weeks apart to be protected. However, if a child between 18 months and 8 years received a flu shot in the prior season, then they would only be required to take one shot this year.
Children 9 years and over require one shot regardless of their prior influenza vaccination history.
Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated with the influenza vaccine.
Pregnant mothers can get vaccinated with the inactivated influenza vaccine at any time during the pregnancy. This would potentially pass antibodies through the placenta which can help the baby during the first 6 months of life.
Breastfeeding mothers can get vaccinated after delivery to protect themselves if they were not previously vaccinated. It is safe for mother and baby. However, the antibodies created from this vaccine will not be transferred through the breast milk.
Caregivers and family members around neonates and babies under 6 months should get vaccinated so as to "cocoon" their little ones from getting the influenza.
Inactivated influenza vaccine can be given simultaneously with other necessary vaccines as per routine childhood vaccination schedule.
Influenza vaccine is a seasonal shot which occurs yearly and expires in August each year. Therefore, if the shot was taken in December or January, then one does not need to wait a year from the previous shot to take the new vaccine. It should be given as soon as the new season begins.
Dr. Zafir Latchan