Flu season is approaching and we will soon begin booking flu vaccine clinics.

Please read below important information about influenza and the flu vaccination that will be available for you, your children, and your family.

1. Who should get the flu vaccine?

With a few exceptions, the influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. At the bottom of this email are links to vaccine information sheets from the Center for Disease Control with further information about why it is recommended and the few individuals who should avoid receiving the vaccine.

2. How to get yourselves and your children immunized?
This Flu season, Kindercare Pediatrics will be offering flu vaccine clinics for all children and their first-degree relatives. Please note that the vaccine clinics will not be run as walk-in clinics. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Dates and times will be posted on the online clinic calendar at kindercarepediatrics.ca/. Call or email to book an appointment that suits you/your family

3. What types of vaccines are available?
There are two types of flu vaccines available in Canada: the conventional vaccine which is needle-injected and the nasal vaccine which is sprayed in the nostrils. The safety profile and effectiveness of both vaccines seem to be equivalent. As in the past, the government will cover the cost of immunizing your child with the conventional ‘needle’ vaccine. The government will not, however, cover the cost of the nasal vaccine which is approximately $30.00. Essentially, the major benefit of using the nasal vaccine over the needle vaccine is the elimination of the pain from administering the needle.

For further information about the two types of available flu vaccines check out these CDC Vaccine Information Handouts for the conventional vaccine and for the nasal vaccine.

Here are a few other reliable information sources about influenza vaccine:

 

Yours truly,

The Kindercare Pediatrics Team