Children and Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older. Flu vaccination is especially important for younger children (under 5 years of age, and in particular under 2), 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 them. 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 months up to five years of age, or close contacts of children any age with high-risk medical conditions, should also receive the flu vaccine.

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

We plan to offer preservative-free, latex-free flu vaccine to all PAMF patients (depending on vaccine supplies), including children under 36 months in whom thimerosal-free flu vaccine is mandated by the state.
A flu vaccine given by nose (live attenuated intranasal vaccine) is also thimerosal-free and is available for healthy children ages two to 18 years at an office visit with their primary care doctor or at some PAMF flu clinics (check our web site).

Parents, please note: some children 6 months through 8 years of age may need two flu vaccinations one month apart instead of just one in the 2012/2013 season. In most cases, your child will need two doses if they have not received two or more doses of seasonal influenza vaccine since July 1, 2010. However, there are some exceptions so see this CDC page for details.

Back to top