The influenza season is approaching and we would like to give you some information about the flu vaccine clinics that will be offered at Kindercare Pediatrics starting this October, 2011.

1. Who should get the flu vaccine?

With a few exceptions, we recommend the influenza vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age. Attached to this email are 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?

This year, 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 nasal flu vaccine has been approved and used in the United States for more than 5 years.  The safety profile and effectiveness of this new vaccine seem to be equivalent to the conventional vaccine.  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 $25.00.  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:

Yours truly,

The Kindercare Pediatrics Team