Flu Vaccine
Influenza can prove devastating to children, complications are worse for children under the age of 9. A new discovery proves safe guarding children with the nasal flu vaccine protects your children from a large range of influenza strains. One of the biggest misconceptions is your children could contract the flu virus just by receiving the vaccines. Studies prove your children have more health risks by not receiving the vaccine. If your child currently experiencing symptom of the flu or you expect your child is seriously ill, please contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
Kids under 9 receive two influenza vaccines. The options are injections or nasal spray (can mix one of each). The vaccines contain a weakened flu virus never strong enough to develop the actual virus. The first vaccine begins the body's antibody production. The second triggers the immune response. Within two weeks of the injection the body builds up the proper antibodies to protect against the virus.
Nasal spray or injection...which one is better? According to the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) toddlers who received one of their doses through nasal spray has the broadest range immune defensives compared to two injections. Three important T-cells were developed in children who took the nasal spray compared to injections. The added T-cells are the additive to the wider range of influenza strains. Another study by the Center of Dieses Control and Prevention the nasal spray reduced the chance of illness by 92% compared to placebo. Researcher found all children in this study healthy and did not develop adverse side effects to the spray or shot form.
When should my children receive the flu vaccine? The vaccine process needed to start months before flu season -December, January and beyond. The earliest outbreaks start in October, so schedule your appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health provider will discuss who can qualify for the nasal spray and the availability in your area. Find more pediatric advice here.
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm#chronic-diseases
Health Day post: retrieved Aug, 18 www.healthdaynews.com
http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/hs¬¬n/20110818/hl_hsn/kidsbenefitfromfluvaccineviashotorspraystudyfinds
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