Children should be vaccinated as quickly as possible, says the American Academy of Pediatrics this year. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kids may still be dusting off the last summer and barely settle in the school year, but now is the time to get vaccinated against the flu.

Do not waitThe American Academy of Pediatrics said Monday.

In its 2018 guidelines, the agency reported after the severity of last year's influenza season, which claimed the lives of 179 children, that early vaccination is vital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 80% of the dead children had not been vaccinated against influenza.

Recommendations on influenza vaccines

All children 6 months of age and older should receive a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves from the virus.

  • Children should receive the shot no later than the end of October.
  • A flu shot is better than a nasal spray because shooting provides more consistent protection against strains of the virus.
  • Pregnant women can be vaccinated at any time during pregnancy. Vaccination is also safe during breastfeeding for mothers and their infants.

How many doses should my child receive?

The number of doses of influenza vaccine depends on the age of the child and past immunization history.

Children aged 6 months to 8 years who receive the vaccine for the first time may require two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart.

If a child has received two or more vaccines before July 1, 2018, he needs only one dose. Children 9 years and older require only one dose, regardless of their vaccination history.

Record number of deaths last year

Excluding the 2009 pandemic, the number of child deaths (179) was the highest since pediatric influenza-associated mortality became a nationally notifiable disease in 2004, said the academy. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in previously healthy children.

Is not it a little early to get vaccinated against the flu?

"There is no evidence that the administration of the flu vaccine early in the season increases the risk of infection in children," said the academy. The flu season usually lasts from October to March, but can continue until May, according to the CDC.

The beginning of the flu season is hard to predict, so the earlier you and your family are protected, the better.

Where to get the flu shot

If you have a pediatrician, then you are ready. But if you are looking for a place to go with a health care provider in a medical setting, try one of the following solutions:

CDC Vaccine Finder

The CDC offers an online flu vaccine detector. Insert your postal code to find a list of influenza vaccine providers near you.

CVS Pharmacy Minutes Clinic

Find a location near you and schedule an appointment. If you do not have insurance, it is good. Pay $ 50 for a hit, according to the site.

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic

Find all the information you need to get a flu shot and make an appointment.

Rite Aid

The website announces that flu vaccines are now available and that no appointments are needed.

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