Children and Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend annual flu shot for all persons six months of age or older. The flu shot is especially important for children under five years of age (in particular those under two), and for children with high-risk medical conditions.

While infants under 6 months of age are also at very high risk from the flu, current vaccines are not effective in this age group. However, immunization of persons with whom these infants have close contact (such as family and household members or daycare workers) may provide protection and is strongly recommended. Close contacts of children six to 59 months of age, or close contacts of children any age with high-risk medical conditions, should also receive the flu vaccine.

We recommend that children six to 59 months of age, children with high-risk conditions, and close contacts of these children be vaccinated early in the season, preferably in September or October. PAMF pediatric patients may get their flu vaccination in their primary care doctor’s office or at one of PAMF’s flu vaccine clinics.

PAMF will offer thimerosal-free seasonal flu vaccine at all locations for children under 36 months of age, as mandated by the State of California. For children 36 months or older, thimerosal-free vaccine will be available at some PAMF locations. A thimerosal-free vaccine given by nose (live attenuated intranasal vaccine) is also available for healthy children ages two to 18 years of age at an office visit with their primary care doctor or at FluMist clinics in some PAMF sites.

Parents, please note: Children six months through eight years of age should receive two doses of the 2011-2012 flu vaccine one month apart this year if they did not receive any flu vaccine last year in the 2010-2011 season.

Back to top