INFLUENZA VACCINE

There are currently two types of influenza (flu) vaccine that we use in Pediatrics. One is an injectable vaccine (shot), called Fluzone.  This is recommended for children who are 6 months to 24 months old, children with underlying medical illnesses (i.e., asthma, diabetes, cardiac disease) and children in households where there is an immunocompromised person.

The other is Flumist, which is given intranasally. This vaccine, which has been shown to be even more effective than the shot, can be given to children 2 years old and up, who do not have any of the risk factors listed above.  We would encourage people, for next year, to consider ordering the Flumist for their child, if they want them to have a flu vaccine and they are eligible. 

The current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is that all children, ages 6 months through 18 years of age receive an Influenza vaccine.



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