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2011-2012 Flu Season FAQ

Who should get a flu shot?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. We follow this recommendation that has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. Every year children and adults die from complications caused by influenza which could have been prevented by getting the vaccine.  

When should you get the flu shot?

You should get the flu vaccine every year, as soon as it is available.  Influenza season most often peaks in January or February or later, so for people not able to get their influenza vaccine in the fall, vaccination in December, January and beyond is beneficial in most years (For general information on the timing of flu seasons in the United States, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm.)

How long will I be protected by the shot?

Protection from the vaccine lasts about a year, so vaccination in August or early September will continue to provide protection for the duration of our flu season, which can last until April or May.

How many doses will I need?

Children age 6 months through 8 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time this year need 2 doses separated by at least 4 weeks. Children who receive the influenza vaccine for the first time in the immediate previous season and only received 1 dose will need 2 doses in the current season. Children age 9 years and older will only need 1 dose.

Why do we need to get a flu shot every year?

The strains of flu virus are typically different every year. Each year the vaccine makers pick the most prevalent strains and combine them to provide the best protection for this year's flu season.

What strains are included in this year's flu shot?

A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus

A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus

B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus

Do I need a separate H1N1 vaccine?

No.  This year's vaccine, and last year's vaccine, included a H1N1-like virus so there is no need to get a separate H1N1 vaccine.

What if my child catches a strain not found in the vaccine?

The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect you and your child from the strains included in the vaccine, but it will also help your body fight a any related strain, making any illness milder and less dangerous.

Do all of your staff members receive a flu shot?

All Dakota Pediatrics staff members and providers receive a flu shot as soon as they are available to protect our patients' health.

Will we get sick from getting the flu shot?

No.  The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site and in some cases, a mild fever.

What kinds of influenza vaccine do you carry?

At Dakota Pediatrics, we carry a variety of flu vaccines so our parents can choose what works for their family.  For those families that want to avoid preservatives, we also have preservative free doses available for children and adults.  Are you avoiding getting a flu shot because you or your child is afraid of shots?  No worries, we have FluMist which is a nasal spray.  And of course, there is always the regular flu shot which contains preservatives.

The following are the types of flu vaccine that we have in stock:

• For kids & adults
  • Regular
  • Preservative free
  • FluMist (for those afraid of shots)

• For MNVFC eligible children
  • Regular (contains preservative)
  • Preservative Free
  • FluMist