Flu Q & A
Q: Should my child receive both flu vaccines?
A: Yes! The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends both the seasonal flu vaccine and the Novel H1N1
for “all children from age 6 months to 18 years as soon as the 2009-2010 flu vaccine becomes available”,
regardless of risk factors.
Q: When can my child receive their flu vaccine?
A: Flu vaccines will begin to be administered to our patients at clinics announced throughout the Fall
and early Winter based on availability of vaccine. Due to current shortage of both seasonal and H1N1
vaccine, we are not scheduling any clinics at this time. Parents of infants requiring a 2nd dose of
seasonal flu should call our office to schedule a Nurse Visit for the vaccine. Please continue to
check this website or www.twitter.com/nepeds for further information and clinic times. Thank
You for your patience.
Q: I have heard that some children need two (2) flu vaccines four (4) weeks apart. How do I
know if my child needs that?
A: Some children do need two (2) doses of flu vaccine during one flu season. Your child may need
two (2) doses if your child is 6 months through 8 years and is receiving the flu vaccine for the
first time, or if your child is younger than 9 and received only one (1) dose of flu vaccine last
year in their first year of flu vaccination. If your child needs two (2) doses, our reception staff
will assist you in scheduling an appointment for a second vaccination at least 4 weeks from the first.
Q: Tell me more about the nasal flu vaccine called “FluMist”.
A: FluMist is a live virus vaccine that can be given to children as young as 2 years of age. As
described above, your child may need two (2) doses of FluMist this year. Because FluMist is a live
virus vaccine, there may be times when a child should NOT receive FluMist. A questionnaire completed
by a parent will help us decide if FluMist is best for you.
Q: I’d like to know more about seasonal flu. Where can I go for additional information?
A: There are many great sources for information regarding the seasonal flu on the internet. For up to the minute
information and influenza tracking, try
Q: I am hearing that there will be a vaccine available this year specifically for the H1N1 Influenza virus.
Is this true and when will my child be able to receive it?
A: This is true. The CDC has worked hard with vaccine producers in order to develop a vaccine to combat the
H1N1 influenza virus. This new vaccine will be available at our clinics on 10/28/09 and 11/4/09 in two formulations;
injection and nasal spray. This influenza vaccine is for the H1N1 virus only and does not protect against seasonal flu.
The CDC is recommending that all our patients receive both H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine. The guidelines for administration
of H1N1 are very similar to that of seasonal flu in terms of number of doses provided and eligibility criteria for nasal
spray formulation. More information can be obtained at www.flu.gov.