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December
7, 2004
Little
Rock -- The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reminds parents of young children that a second dose of influenza vaccine is needed for children (6 months to less than 9 years of age) who have never received the vaccine before this year. Immunization standards recommend that these children receive TWO doses of vaccine in order to be adequately protected from influenza infection and the second dose should be given at least ONE MONTH AFTER the first dose.
High-risk children within those ages who have not yet received their FIRST dose of influenza vaccine should be vaccinated as soon as possible. It is important that BOTH doses of influenza vaccine be given before the start of influenza season in order for these children to have adequate protection.
High-risk children over 9 years of age and adults in high-risk groups for influenza should also come to their local health units for influenza vaccination, if they have not already been vaccinated. Since protection takes about 2 weeks to develop after receiving influenza vaccine, it is best to be vaccinated well before the start of influenza season. The ADH has received additional doses of influenza vaccine, and vaccine is available at most local health units.
High-risk groups for influenza include:
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Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
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Children and teenagers, 6 months – 18 years of age, who take aspirin daily
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Health-care workers involved in direct, hands-on care to patients and
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Household members and out-of home caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months (children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated).
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People 65 years of age and older
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Children ages 6 months to 23 months
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Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic lung or heart disorders including heart disease and asthma
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Pregnant women
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Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS
There are still adult vaccine doses available for the above high-risk groups. Arkansans should call their local health unit for information about flu vaccine availability. They can also visit our website at
www.healthyarkansas.com/flushots.htm
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