Although most people understand the importance of getting a flu shot every year, many parents overlook the need for a flu shot for their children.

This is unfortunate, because most experts believe that flu epidemics begin and spread to adults from younger children.  Health Canada’s statement on influenza vaccination for the 2005-2006 flu season, now formally recommends that all healthy children aged 6-23 months of age should get a flu shot.  Young, otherwise healthy children are at increased risk of hospitalization for influenza and influenza – related complications.  Children in this age group, especially those under one year old, have hospitalization rates that are as high as or higher than people over 65.

Influenza (commonly known as “the flu”) is a serious, acute respiratory disease caused by a virus.  It is transmitted to others through coughing and sneezing. It is spread through contact with unwashed hands, surfaces or toys and utensils that have been contaminated with the influenza virus. Because influenza is so common in children and they can spread the virus a long time, even after feeling well, children are considered an important source of community outbreaks.

Even healthy children can become quite ill. Influenza is much worse than a cold.  Children can bring the flu virus home and spread the virus to a baby, an older relative, or someone with a medical condition who can get serious complications from influenza.

·          Here are a few suggestions on how to decrease your child’s chances of getting the flu Get your children their flu shot; it is a vital first step .The influenza vaccine is available, free of charge, for all residents of Ontario over the age of 6 months.

·          Teach your children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue every time they cough or sneeze and throw the used tissue in the wastebasket.

·          Encourage strict hand washing, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing his/her nose—always clean your children’s hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner (so they don’t spread the flu to others).

·          Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or personal items.

·          Wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

·         Make sure your children are eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep.

Flu shots help prevent or reduce the complications of influenza in children under two, including acute middle ear infections. Although no vaccine can give 100% protection, children who have received their flu shot will often be less sick than if they were not vaccinated at all. Flu shots for school aged children also prevent transmission of the flu virus in the community and reduce school absenteeism.

If your child is under nine years of age and has never had a flu shot, they must receive two doses, given at least one month apart.  This will make sure that your child’s body produces the necessary antibodies to protect them against the flu. Children over nine years of age and younger children who have already had a flu shot, only need a single shot each year. It takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot to develop full protection against the flu. Because the influenza virus changes every year, you need to get a flu shot every year. To keep track of your children’s flu shots and other immunizations make sure the health care professional updates your child’s “yellow card” (personal immunization record).  Bring it with you every time and keep it in a safe place.

Children who should not receive a flu shot are: children with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis) to eggs or egg products and those who have had a serious reaction to a previous dose or components of the influenza vaccine and infants under six months of age. The flu vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy and for breastfeeding mothers. In response to public concern, influenza vaccine manufacturers in Canada are currently working towards production and marketing of thimerosal-free influenza vaccines.  Influenza vaccine is very safe, but like any medication, side effects can occur.  Most children who get the vaccine have either no side effects or mild effects such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given. A flu shot can be given at the same time as other shots.  Two separate shots are required because two vaccines cannot be mixed together in the same syringe.  LAIV (Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, trade name Flu Mist™) is a new influenza vaccine.

It is different from the already licensed influenza vaccine.  LAIV contains live (weakened) influenza viruses instead of killed viruses and it is administered by nasal spray instead of by injection.  This nasal spray flu vaccine is still being studied and is not licensed for use in Canada in the 2004-2005 flu season.

Who should I talk to if I have any questions about influenza or any other vaccines? Contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-355-1071, ext. 5900 from Wheatley call 682-0603, or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca or the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website or ask your family doctor or health care practitioner.

Protecting yourself and your family from the flu is far easier than coping with illness caused by the flu.  The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care strongly recommends that all parents and care providers of children over the age of six months get a flu shot themselves and arrange for the children in their care to be immunized.

Get you and your family their flu shots now.  It’s easy, it’s fast and it’s free!

For more information contact Public Health at 519-355-1071, ext. 5900 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca