I have never given my child a flu shot before. Why should I start this year?

Our primary means of preventing influenza and its complications is influenza vaccination. The illness causes approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and 260 deaths a year in this country in children younger than 5 years old. Over the past few years, the indications for routine influenza vaccination have been expanded, and this year influenza vaccination is recommended for all children between the ages of 6 months and 19 years of age. Children younger than 9 years of age who have not previously received influenza vaccination need two doses of the vaccine at least one month apart. Children who previously have been vaccinated against influenza or are older than 9 years of age only require one influenza vaccination.

Because children younger than 6 months of age cannot be vaccinated against influenza, we recommend that caregivers and close contacts be vaccinated to protect these children from infection.

Can my child receive FluMist® influenza vaccine instead of the injectable influenza vaccine?

FluMist® is a diluted, live virus influenza vaccine that is administered intranasally (sprayed into the nose) and can be given safely to children 2 years of age and older. If you have young children who have had recurrent wheezing and/or asthma, you’ll need to discuss this with a physician before using FluMist®.

Lon McQuillan, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with Samaritan Pediatrics in Corvallis. He enjoys caring for children of all ages and can be reached at (541) 768-4900.