Flu shots in Orlando

2011-12 Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and up. Two doses separated by at least one month are recommended for children less than 9 years old who have not previously been vaccinated.

There are two types of influenza (flu) vaccines available the standard flu shot and the nasal Flumist. Both the Flumist and flu shot protect again the same influenza strains. Both the Flumist and flu shots are approved for breast feeding women.

The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine and approved for children 6 months and up. It is safe for pregnant women and close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. Side effects include soreness, local reaction, and low grade fever.

Flumist is approved for people 2 to 49 years old. You cannot get Flumist if you have asthma, heart disease, are immunosuppressed or are pregnant. The Flumist is a live attenuated vaccine and people who have had the vaccine should not be around people who are immunosuppressed for at least seven days. Side effects include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, sore throat and fever.

Each year the World Health Organization makes an educated guess at the likely influenza strains for the fall. Each year, the effectiveness of the vaccine depends on the match between the vaccine and the flu strains in environment. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains.

The 2011-12 flu vaccines contain protection against three influenza strains:
1.) A/California/7/2009(H1N1)
2.) A/Perth/16/2009(H3N2)
3.) B/Brisbane/60/2008

These are the same three strains as the 2010-11 vaccine. The first strain, the H1N1 (“swine flu”) strain is the same strain used in the 2009 “Swine” flu vaccine.

Vaccination remains the only effective method to prevent influenza. There are available anti-viral medications but they are largely ineffective secondary to massive resistance. A 2009 study revealed 98% of H1N1 strains were resistant to the major anti-viral medication recommended for treatment.

Fighting influenza requires a community effort. I want my family and my patients to be part of the solution. Get your flu vaccine early!

This fall our office will get irregular shipments of flu vaccine. We typically will run out of Flumist and Flu shots before receiving additional shipments. My facebook page “Orlando Pediatrician” will have up to date information on Pediatric Associates flu supply.

Updated August, 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician