Tips for Parents on Keeping Kids Healthy this Flu Season

December 24, 2009

The last thing parents want to hear is that they have a sick child. Luckily, there are many steps parents can take to prevent their kids from coming down with the flu.

The following Q & A provide parents with a few ways to be proactive to protect their kids: 

Does my child need to get two shots?

Yes – if they’re under 10 years old. Our recommendations are based on the best available science. There is a recent study that suggests that with certain dose levels, for certain kids, one shot might be effective. But, other studies suggest two are better. Based on the body of research, we are continuing to recommend that children under 10 get two shots. 

If my child received vaccine that was recalled, do they need to be revaccinated?

No.  Children who received doses of the recalled vaccine do not need to be revaccinated, even if both of a child’s doses were from this lot of vaccine.  There are no safety concerns with these doses of the H1N1 vaccine, and HHS scientists believe that the doses that have been given are still adequately immunogenic.  (All children less than 10 years old should get the recommended two doses of H1N1 vaccine approximately a month apart.)

As part of their quality assurance programs, vaccine manufacturers Sanofi Pasteur, and MedImmune found that some of their vaccine lots lost a very slight amount of potency over time.  Because the potency falls just outside the manufacturer’s own technical specifications, the manufacturer is voluntarily removing these doses from the distribution system. 

How can I protect my child against the flu?

Get a seasonal flu vaccine and an H1N1 vaccine for yourself and your child to protect against the flu viruses. You can also take easy steps like covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when you are sick. 

Get more information for Parents.

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