As we enter the fall and winter months, protecting children from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza remains a top priority. There has been a lot of confusion and conflicting information about vaccines this season.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend influenza “flu” vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. We know that flu vaccines are safe and reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While flu vaccines aren’t perfect – every year we hear about people who got their flu shot getting the flu – they do reduce the risk of getting ill by 30-60% and the risk of being hospitalized by 60-70% most years. One new development this year – the nasal spray vaccine “FluMist” was approved for home administration for people 2-49 – it can be ordered online directly from the manufacturer.
This year the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all eligible children between 6 and 24 months receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine as children in this age group are at higher risk.
The AAP also recommends COVID vaccines for children 2-18 who are
- At high risk of severe COVID-19
- Residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
- Persons who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
- Persons whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID-19
Lastly, the AAP recommends that for children 2 through 18 years of age not included in the risk groups above whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19 should be offered a dose of the vaccine this year.
We currently have influenza vaccine available in office for all ages and COVID vaccine available for ages 12 and up. We anticipate getting COVID vaccine for ages 6 months – 11 years in the office in the next few weeks. If you have questions about which vaccines your child needs or when to schedule them, our team at NVFP is here to help. Keeping up with recommended vaccines is one of the best ways to keep your family healthy this season.
