With all of the flu shot shortages of the past few years, most parents now realize that it is probably never too soon to start thinking about where and when your kids will get their flu shots this year.

Flu Shots

After the shortages of flu vaccine the last few years, everyone is looking forward to an ample supply of flu vaccine this year. And since the CDC reports that 'influenza vaccine manufacturers are projecting that approximately 100 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available in the U.S. for use during the 2006-07 influenza season,' which is more than we have ever had, there should be more than enough to go around to everyone who needs and wants a flu shots.

Unfortunately, flu shot delays have kept many kids from getting their flu shot yet.

A new recommendation that all children who are under age 5 years old should get a flu shot may make your Pediatrician's office a very busy place though. Remember that it used to be that only healthy children under age 2 years 'needed' a flu shot.

With this new recommendation, about 10.6 million healthy children between the ages of 24 to 59 months should get a flu shot this year.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

So who 'needs' a flu shot according to the latest recommendations?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone at high risk of complications from the flu, including:

• children aged 6 to 59 months
  
• pregnant women
• persons aged 50 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions
  
• residents of long-term care facilities
  
• persons with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, immunodeficiency, etc.
  
• children and teens who are receiving long term aspirin therapy

Other people who should get a yearly flu shot include:

• health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
  
• household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged < 5 years or other people who are at high risk of complications of the flu

Is It Too Late To Get A Flu Shot?

Although it is usually recommended that you get a flu shot in October or November, with the current delays, it might be late November or December before your child is finally able to get a flu shot.

Since flu season often peaks in January or February and can extend into March or April, that means there is still time to get a flu shot.

Even if you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, it may not be too late. Although it takes about 2 weeks for the flu shot to be effective, since flu season is just starting to get going in many parts of the United States and hasn't peaked yet, a flu shot now can still protect you from getting the flu. Also keep in mind that flu season often goes into March and April, so a flu shot now will offer several months of protection.

Flu Shot Facts

• FluMist is also an option for healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 years this year.
• Children between the ages of 5 and 9 years who are getting Flumist for the first time and who have never had a flu shot before should get two doses separated by 6 to 10 weeks, with the second dose being given before the start of flu season.
• Breastfeeding mothers can get a flu shot.
• People who have anaphylactic reactions to eggs or other vaccine components shouldn't get a flu shot without consulting a doctor.
• Thimerosal free and reduced thimerosal flu shots are available, although not in as big a supply as regular flu shots with thimerosal.

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