After the shortages and delays 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 over 162 million doses of flu vaccine are supposed to be made this year, there should be more than enough to go around to everyone who needs and wants a flu shots.

In fact, many pediatricians have already vaccinated many of their patients with flu shots and FluMist.

Flu Shots

Last year's recommendation that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot may once again make your pediatrician's office a very busy place this year. Remember that it used to be that only children under age five years and other high risk kids 'needed' a flu shot.

In addition to all adults, experts now recommend that all children between the ages of six months and 18 years get a flu vaccine each year.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

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

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children, although the primary focus is still on younger children and those 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

But remember that with the latest recommendations, everyone over age 6 months is supposed to get a flu vaccine now.

Remember that healthy kids over age two may be able to get FluMist, the nasal spray flu vaccine, instead of a flu shot though.

Is It Too Late To Get A Flu Shot?

Since flu season often peaks in January or February and can extend into March or April, that means that it can still be helpful to get a flu shot at any time during flu season.

Plan early though, so that you get your kids vaccinated before flu season starts when it will be most helpful though.

Flu Vaccine Facts

• FluMist is also an option for healthy persons between the ages of 2 and 49 years this year.
• Children between the ages of 2 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 4 weeks, with the second dose being given before the start of flu season.
• Breastfeeding mothers can get a flu shot or FluMist.
• 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 often not in as big a supply as regular flu shots with thimerosal.

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