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Influenza News -- 12/23/2009  Follow us on Twitter

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The Flu Vaccines Are Safe

We continue to field numerous questions and concerns regarding the flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. Despite what the neighbors say, what you've read on the internet or what you may have seen in the newspaper, both of these vaccines are safe and effective. We are immunizing ourselves and our families.

Of course, there are risks and benefits with everything we do each day and every decision we make. Based upon the collective judgment of your pediatricians, we all strongly recommend both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines to our patients.

"Since August 30, 2009, CDC has received 212 reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the current influenza season (39 deaths in children less than 2 years old, 22 deaths in children 2-4 years old, 78 deaths in children 5-11 years old, and 73 deaths in children 12-17 years old). One hundred seventy-two (81%) of the 212 deaths were due to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infections, 39 were associated with influenza A virus for which the subtype is undetermined, and one was associated with an influenza B virus infection. A total of 232 deaths in children associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been reported to CDC." --http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/, Dec. 12, 2009

For a wonderfully concise but complete review of the H1N1 flu and the vaccines that are available to prevent it, please review this 2 page informational sheet from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Novel H1N1: What you should know.

Please review this article in the Washington Post that better explains why you have heard of bad things happening after vaccines and why, in nearly all cases, these bad occurrences have nothing to do with the vaccine that's been given.

Also please take the time to view this CBS 60 Minutes story that aired in November that reviews the manufacture, distribution and safety of the H1N1 vaccine--as well as the terrible effect the H1N1 influenza infection may have on a patient.
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Our flu vaccine supply is limited. The intranasal vaccine is indicated for patients 2 years & older with no underlying chronic medical conditions, e.g. asthma, reactive airways, diabetes, immune deficiency, etc. You must review the H1N1 intranasal vaccine information statement before calling our office.                    Follow us on Twitter

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In order for you to avoid an unnecessary trip to our office, please print out the first page of this questionnaire and fill it out for each child BEFORE YOU CALL OUR OFFICE.

  • If you've answered "yes" to question 1--patients with mild cold symptoms, mild diarrhea, etc. and no fever can receive the flu vaccine.
  • If you've answered "yes" on any question 2-11, you should not schedule an appointment for this H1N1 intranasal vaccine. If there is no egg allergy, please wait for us to get the injectable H1N1 vaccine.
  • If you've answered "yes" to question 12 and your child had the seasonal FLUMIST vaccine less than 21 days ago, or the MMR or Chickenpox vaccine less than 28 days ago, you will need to wait until 21 or 28 days respectively for the H1N1 spray.
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We cannot address any other medical issues during these flu appointments. Patients can receive the vaccine even if they have mild cold symptoms, etc. We will not have the time or personnel to listen to a chest or look in an ear. If you need such service, please schedule a regular appointment.

It is critical that you review the vaccine information statements for these vaccines BEFORE you call our office to schedule an appointment.

Patients 6 months to 9 years old will need TWO doses of the H1N1 vaccine separated by 21-28 days.

We also have enough of this vaccine to offer it to parents who are medically able to take the vaccine and have infants in the home who are less than 6 mos. old or older children who cannot be vaccinated for other medical reasons.

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--updated 23-Dec-09