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.  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 (needle-injected) and the nasal vaccine (sprayed in the nostrils). The safety profile and effectiveness of both vaccines seem to be equivalent for children over 8 years of age. We are discovering, however, that younger children seem to develop stronger immunity when given the nasal vaccine compared to the needle. The safety profiles (nasal and needle) remain equivalent for these young children.  As a result, The CDC has recommended the nasal flu preferentially over the needle vaccine for children 2-8 years old and Health Canada has made a similar recommendation. As in the past, the Ontario Government will cover the cost of immunizing your child with the conventional ‘needle’ vaccine. The government will not cover the cost of the nasal vaccine which is approximately $30.00.

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 the influenza vaccine:

• Ontario Ministry of Health Influenza Information Site
• Center For Disease Control Influenza Information Site
• National Institute For Allergies and Infectious Diseases Influenza Information Site

Yours truly, The Kindercare Pediatrics Team

The post 2014/15 Influenza Season – Flu Shot Information for Parents appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions (with answers) that we have been receiving in clinic these days regarding this year’s influenza season:

1. Is this flu season any different from previous years?

Answer: It is very hard to answer this since the influenza virus is very well known to act in extremely unpredictable ways.  Having said that, there have been an unusually high number of severe flu infections causing a higher than usual number of severe illnesses and deaths this year in North America.  For example, as of this week, 451 people in Alberta have been hospitalized for influenza infections and 5 have died.  1 person in British Columbia has died with more than 20 having been admitted to intensive care units for influenza infections, many requiring ventilators to stay alive.   Texas has been particularly hard hit with 25 reported deaths from influenza thus far.

2. Is there a particular strain that is causing these severe flu infections?

Answer: It appears that the H1N1 strain (originally called Swine Flu) is responsible for most of these severe infections.  This is the same strain that caused the swine flu pandemic in 2009.

3. Is the H1N1 strain any more dangerous than other flu strains?

Answer: It is probably too early to say for sure, but certainly the number of severe infections and deaths reported thus far does suggest that this H1N1 strain is a particularly virulent (nasty/dangerous/severe) one.

4. Does this year’s flu vaccine protect against this H1N1 influenza virus?

Answer: Yes. This season’s flu shot is designed to provide immunity against this particular H1N1 strain.

 5. I received the flu vaccine in 2009 and 2010.  Both of those vaccines protected against H1N1 influenza.  Doesn’t that mean I am protected this year too, even if I didn’t get this season’s flu shot?

Answer: Not necessarily. Since 2009, the virus has likely mutated a number of times.  The current H1N1 virus is likely different enough from the 2009 one that the vaccines from 5 and 4 years ago are no longer protective.

6. How long after I get my flu vaccine will my body be protected? 

Answer: It takes about 2 weeks for your body to respond to the vaccine and build up enough antibodies to be protected.

7. I understand that one flu vaccine is recommended per person per year. Is it the same story for children?

Answer: Yes, but with two exceptions:

1. Young children may not build up enough immunity after their first ever flu vaccine.  In other words, for any child under 9 years old who has never received a flu shot before, a second booster dose (at least 30 days after the first) is recommended.
2. The flu vaccine is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age.  This is because young babies do not respond effectively enough to the flu vaccine.  Cocooning is recommended in that circumstance. Cocooning a baby means surrounding that baby with only immunized people.

8. Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?

Answer: No.  It is definitely not too late. There are likely 3 or more months left in this year’s influenza season. If not yet immunized, you and those around you still stand to benefit from getting vaccinated now.

The post Frequently Asked Questions (With Answers) About This Year’s Influenza Season and the Flu Vaccine appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

Run by Tiffany, our registered nurse, patients/families will be able to schedule appoints for any/all of the following reasons:

1. To bring a child up to date on his/her immunizations

2. To receive any additional vaccinations not covered by OHIP

3. To get a flu vaccine (if it is still flu season)

4. To discuss vaccinations in general

The clinic will operate most Wednesday Mornings from 9 AM to NOON

If your child is a patient at Kindercare Pediatrics and is behind on his/her immunizations, you might get an email from us us notifying you that your child’s immunizations are not up to date.  We will suggest that you book an appointment to see Tiffany at the vaccination clinic to arrange giving your child the necessary vaccines to get him/her up to date.

If you are unable to attend one of Tiffany’s clinics, then you can always book an appointment to see your child’s doctor as an alternative.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Yours sincerely,

The Kindercare Pediatrics Team

The post New Vaccination Clinic at Kindercare Pediatrics appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

“Why? I asked her”

“Shouldn’t you know that?” She replied.  “My family doc said that the effects wear off after 3- 4 months and it’s more important that we be immune in February and March than in the fall.”

Worried that perhaps I  wasn’t up to date on my flu vaccine literature, I said “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware of that recommendation.  Let me do a little bit of research and get back to you”.

It turns out there are some family docs in the community (some really good ones) who are making this recommendation.

I (unsuccessfully) searched for some evidence to support this recommendation to delay. All I could find were global public health recommendations to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  I also made some enquiries with my public health department, fellow colleagues, and a few pediatric infectious disease specialists.  There was complete consensus that once vaccinated, no matter how early in the season,  immunity will last at least as along as the flu season.

So the bottom line is:

Get your flu vaccine as early as you can.  Delay adds no benefit and prolongs the period of time during which you or your children are vulnerable to flu infection. 

The post Is Delaying Your Flu Shot a Good Idea? appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

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:

• Toronto Public Health Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet
• Ontario Ministry of Health Influenza Information Site
• Center For Disease Control Influenza Information Site
• National Institute For Allergies and Infectious Diseases Influenza Information Site

Yours truly,

The Kindercare Pediatrics Team

The post 2013 Influenza Vaccine Information Update appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

Where did this virus come from?

The virus seems to have originated from birds (pigeons and/or poultry) in Shanghai.  So far, there are 18 known cases of human infection in China. All of these human infections took place in or around Shanghai. Experts do not think that humans are spreading this flu to other humans.  Rather, it is more likely spreading via animal-to-human transmission.

Why is this being depicted as a “big deal” in the media?

Scientists and health organizations have expressed concern about this new virus because it appears to be quite deadly.  Of the 18 humans who have thus far contracted the disease, 6 have died and 4 are in critical condition.  Until we develop a better understanding about what’s going on, there will be an understandable level of concern and caution.

How concerned should people be?

For those living in or travelling to/from China, especially Shanghai and surrounding areas, it is important to take careful precautions to avoid contracting the illness.  See the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations here.

For all others (i.e. not travelling to or living in/near China), there is little, if any, precaution to take at this stage.  Since humans do not appear to be spreading this to other humans, the likelihood of a global outbreak is low.  WHO advised, on April 4th, 2013: “At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”

Is there a vaccine for H7N9 influenza A virus? 

These are the first reports of this virus ever infecting humans, so there is not yet a vaccine available.  The vaccine development process, from virus identification to mass production, takes at least 6 months. So, if vaccination becomes advisable, it will not be until the end of the year that an immunization targeting this virus will be available for use.

What precautions are being taken at Kindercare Pediatrics?

At this time, we do not feel that our patients and families (assuming that they are not travelling to or from China) are at significant risk of catching H7N9 Influenza A. Patients and families should feel safe coming to clinic for well-baby care and sick visits.

On the other hand, if anyone (whether our patients/families or otherwise) has flu-like-symptoms AND recently traveled to China, it is important to go immediately to your local emergency department. The sooner the illness is identified and treated, the higher the chance of recovery/survival.

We will keep you updated with key information as this situation evolves.

Any questions or comments are welcome below.

The post Information about the new (H7N9) influenza A virus in China appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

We are now booking for this season’s flu vaccination clinics.

Click here to see the clinic schedule which now shows the currently available flu vaccine clinic dates.

Please tell us if you would prefer the flu shot (needle – covered by OHIP) or the nasal spray (no needle – not covered by OHIP – e.g. you pay $30/dose). See info point #3 below regarding the difference between these two options.

To book an appointment, call 416-848-7665 or email admin@kindercarepediatrics.ca

All children, their first-degree relatives, and caregivers are welcome.

Here’s the important information about this year’s flu season and vaccine options:

1. Who should get the flu vaccine?
With a few exceptions, we recommend the influenza vaccine 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 go about immunizing yourselves and your children?
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.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any further questions or if you would like to schedule a flu-shot appointment.

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:

• Toronto Public Health Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet
• Ontario Ministry of Health Influenza Information Site
• Center For Disease Control Influenza Information Site

• National Institute For Allergies and Infectious Diseases Influenza Information Site

Yours truly,

The Kindercare Pediatrics Team

The post Kindercare Pediatrics Influenza Vaccine Clinic – Fall and Winter 2012 appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.

The post Flu Prevention Educational Videos For Kids appeared first on Kindercare Pediatrics.