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As the flu season approaches, with a variety of vaccine recommendations for children, what should a parent do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have given the go-ahead for the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine, a departure from the last two years warned against this. However, while it may be a relief for the parents of children who do not use needles, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended this month as the first choice of vaccine.
Here are five things to know about the flu shot and the kids.
1. Who should get it?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, anyone aged 6 months and older should get the flu shot every year to prevent and treat the flu.
The overall vaccine efficacy against influenza A and B for influenza vaccine 2017-2018 has been estimated at 40%, which means that the risk of having to see a doctor for influenza-related symptoms has been reduced. 40%. CDC.
2. What is the best vaccine?
In recent years, the nasal spray did not seem to work as well against the H1N1 virus, a strain of the flu, according to the CDC. But it should be more effective this year. Still, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that it is better to use the influenza vaccine, which is an inactivated influenza vaccine, because the effectiveness of live attenuated influenza vaccine "unknown" is unknown for the season to come. , the PAA acknowledged that although injection is the best choice, the nasal spray is an option for children who refuse the injections.
3. The case for the spray
Beyond the less daunting delivery of the haze, some pediatricians in the Chicago area appreciate the no-shot option for children 2 years and older because of the immunity that it creates almost instantly in the nasal passage. According to Dr. Erik Johnson, pediatrician and vice-president of medical affairs at the pediatric service line at Amita Health, the live attenuated flu in the mist causes a localized inflammatory reaction in the nose.
4. The case of the injection
Despite this benefit, many pediatric offices will likely only carry influenza vaccines this year for a number of reasons: Injection is less expensive and many large health care organizations have contracts to purchase the flu shot before recommendations from the CDC.
With children, flu fog can also be a gamble. "Sometimes we took it in one nostril but not in the other because the child did not leave us," said Johnson.
5. What happens if my child is allergic to eggs?
All children who are allergic to eggs, regardless of their severity, may receive an influenza vaccine without additional precautions beyond those recommended for all vaccines. Patients with weakened immune systems may not be good candidates for the flu vaccine. Therefore, check with your doctor if your child is suffering from underlying chronic conditions. Children who have a minor cold, in which the nasal passage is not completely blocked by mucous membranes, may still have flu fog or the shot.
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