H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Update
--January 13th 2010
We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to immunize our Hometown patients against H1N1 Influenza.
The health department continues to carefully regulate distribution of available H1N1 vaccines to community hospitals and physician offices and to release these in relatively small allotments.
Hometown Pediatrics currently has available…
1. injectable, preservative-free H1N1 vaccine for Hometown patients who are currently 6 months to 35 months of age.
2. nasal mist H1N1 vaccine which is indicated for children age 2 years or older with NO history of asthma or other chronic diseases.
3. injectable H1N1 vaccine for children ages 3 years and up.
If your child falls into any of these groups and you wish to have them vaccinated against H1N1 influenza, please call to schedule an appointment (*please see the comments on egg allergy below).
-The Hometown Pediatrics Staff
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Updates
--January 13th 2010
In addition to the H1N1 vaccine, we support the recommendation of The American Academy of Pediatrics and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control that all children also receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
For children 6 months to 3 years of age, Hometown Pediatrics still has a limited supply of the preservative-free, injectable seasonal (non-H1N1) flu vaccine. If you wish your toddler to receive this vaccine, please call to set up an appointment.
We have exhausted our seasonal supplies of the other types of non-H1N1 vaccine.
In order to receive the most protection against the flu virus, it is recommended that children ages 9 and younger (up to their 10th birthday) receive two doses of flu vaccine. They should get the second dose at least four weeks after the first dose.
-The Hometown Pediatrics Staff
Egg Allergy & Flu Vaccines
**ALLERGY TO EGGS is a contraindication to receiving any flu vaccine. If your child has any known history of allergy to eggs, we require a note from their allergist clearing them to receive the flu vaccine. Please provide proof of clearance prior to scheduling your child's flu vaccination.
Informative Websites
For the latest news and recommendations regarding both the H1N1 "Swine" Flu and the Seasonal Flu, please follow these links:
Texas Department of State Health Services (www.TexasFlu.org)
US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
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