Flu Shots

Flu season is upon us again. You may or may not have thought about getting your baby a flu shot, if your baby is old enough to get one it is definitely a good idea. When I say “old enough” the suggested ages for a healthy baby flu shot are between 6 and 23 months. In 2004 The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously that ALL infants 6 to 23 months, and their family members, should receive the flu shot.

My daughter was 9 months old this past fall, so naturally her pediatrician recommended that she have the flu shot, which she received at her normal healthy baby check up. The important thing to note, which I was not aware of, is that 2 shots are required the first year it is given for it to work. These shots are to be given exactly one month apart. My pediatrician forgot to mention to me that there was a second shot that needed to take place. I was only alerted of this during a casual conversation with a friend of mine that has a daughter the same age. Luckily we had this conversation before a month had passed. Make sure you mark in your calendar when the second shot needs to take place because your pediatrician may fail to mention it, assuming that you know that you have to come in for another shot.

Most pediatrician offices will have certain hours or days during the fall and winter months in which you can just walk in for the flu vaccination. Call in advance to find out the days and hours. The vaccination takes two seconds to do and you will be in and out with your baby.