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By Sonja Haller, USA TODAY & # 39; HUI
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 wait, the American Academy of Pediatrics said Monday.
In its 2018 guidelines, the agency reported that after the severity of the influenza season of last year, declared by the Centers for Disease Control, which claimed the lives of 180 children, early vaccination is essential.
According to the CDC, about 80% of the dead children have not been vaccinated against the flu.
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 6 months to 8 years old who receive the vaccine for the first time may need two doses of vaccine at four weeks interval.
If a child has received two or more vaccines before July 1, 2018, he needs only one dose. Children 9 years and older only need one dose, regardless of their vaccination history.
Record number of deaths last year
Excluding the 2009 pandemic, the number of child deaths (180) was the highest since pediatric influenza-associated mortality became a nationally notifiable disease in 2004; said the Academy of Pediatrics. Nearly half of the deaths were in 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
The flu vaccine! It's time to get it. @ CVSHealth push the coup with a coupon, the more you feel virtuous and accomplished. pic.twitter.com/jt9wfs4ioF
– Kathleen Rooney (@KathleenMoRoney) August 31, 2018
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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