Some children might need two flu shots to be fully immunized in 2012

If your child hasn’t received two flu shots since July 2010, American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that he/she receive a double dose of the vaccine in 2012.

If a child who is 8 years old or younger hasn’t received two flu vaccines since July 1, 2010, he/she should receive two vaccines to be immunized properly against the H1N1 virus and two new influenza strains that are likely to be prevalent in 2012, according to guidelines by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If two vaccines are needed, the vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks apart.

Dr. Henry Bernstein, who is a pediatrician who is affiliated with AAP, says the first dose primes a child’s immune system and the second dose immunizes him/her properly.

AAP recommends that children who are at least 6 months old receive a flu shot each year. Parents of infants who are younger than 6 months can reduce the chances of their child contracting influenza by making sure that all family members and caregivers who are in regular contact with the infant receive a flu shot.

– K. Fanuko