I know the flu season is over, but this recommendation just came out and I think it's very important for everyone to read.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza (flu) immunization for all children with high-risk conditions who are 6 months of age and older, for all healthy children ages 6 through 59 months, for all household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children with high-risk conditions and of healthy children younger than 5 years, and for all healthcare professionals.

High risk children include those with chronic diseases like asthma, low birth weight infants and immunocompromized children (HIV/AIDS, etc.).  It's also important for the caregivers and siblings to get the vaccination too.

On the basis of global surveillance of circulating virus strains, the influenza vaccine may change from year to year; indeed, 1 of the 3 strains in the 2007–2008 vaccine is different
from the previous year's vaccine.  The vaccine is different every year! Because the influenza season often extends into March, immunization against influenza is recommended to continue through late winter and early spring (mid - Oct to March).

Ask your doctor about influenza (flu) vaccination for yourself and your child.  In La the flu vaccine is free or low cost ($10), depending on your income, at the local Health Unit.  I would assume it's the same for other states.  Vaccination is very important so get yours early - usually mid-October.  I get mine every year.  Medicare part B pays for the flu vaccine. 

If you have any questions about the vaccine the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has excellent information on the flu and vaccination or ask me.  I've given the flu vaccine many times as a part of my job as an Infection Control Nurse.  Don't listen to myths like the vaccine can give you the flu because that's not true!  The vaccine can give you flu-LIKE symptoms, fever and muscle aches, for about 72 hours after taking the vaccine. Get the real scoop at the CDC site or from someone who is knowledgeable about the vaccine. I had NURSES who believed some of the flu vaccine MYTHS, so be sure the person you ask REALLY knows about the vaccine.  If you have questions the Employee Health Nurse and Infection Control Nurse at your local hospital can help you out.  They give MANY flu vaccines to employees and are very knowledgeable about the vaccine.

Thanks for taking time to read this and please re-post it on your site so your contacts can get the 911 on flu vaccination too!

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/