by Clark Gillett M.D.
Q: Is it too late for my child to get a flu shot? Does he really need it?
A: The recommended season for
influenza vaccination begins in
September and ends in December.
However, the peak incidence of influenza
is usually in early to mid February. Some
degree of protection can occur within
two weeks of vaccination, so there
would be some benefit to immunization
in January.
Although influenza is a self-limited illness in healthy children, there is a substantial burden of lost days from school (and work for the parents) in addition to the distress of the illness itself. In children with chronic diseases, influenza can be life-threatening. Widespread immunization against influenza protects not only the individual, but also those around him or her, who are thus less likely to be exposed to someone from whom they might acquire an infection.
The Centers for Disease Control in the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended all children aged 6 months through 18 years be vaccinated. Special priority should be given to children with chronic diseases’ such as lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, congenital heart abnormalities, diabetes and other metabolic conditions, sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders, and several others. In addition, adults and children who have contact with patients in one of the high-risk groups should also be vaccinated.
Q: What options are available and
how effective is the flu vaccine?
A: The most commonly used vaccine is
an injectable vaccine; there is also a
vaccine at his inhaled through the nose.
For the injectable vaccine, children who
are getting their first vaccination should
have two doses given four weeks apart.
The injectable vaccine is 56- to 65-percent protective against influenza. There is some evidence that the inhaled vaccine may provide somewhat greater protection. However, it is more expensive and cannot be used in children who have asthma and some other chronic diseases. It also cannot be used in children below the age of two.
Q:What is meningitis? Does my child need the vaccine?
A: Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain that can lead to serious brain damage and death if not treated promptly. Three groups of bacteria cause most infections: the meningococcus, Hemophilus influenza and pneumococcus. Immunizations now given routinely in childhood have greatly reduced the incidence of the latter two infections.
There is a relatively new “conjugate” vaccine against the group of bacteria that cause meningitis in older children and adults that is now recommended as a standard vaccination for healthy children 11-18 years old and in children 2-10 years old who have certain chronic illnesses that would make them more susceptible to infection.
The incidence of meningococcus infections is low, but the consequences can be devastating. Young people living in close quarters are at highest risk, including college students in dormitories, military recruits and those living in group homes. Most colleges and universities recommend or require the vaccination before starting college.
Dr. Clark Gillett is a family practice physician formerly in private practice here in Columbus. He currently is an instructor in the Family Practice Program at The Medical Center.
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