Flu shots in Orlando

2010-11 Flu Vaccine

I hate flu season and flu shots. Every year patients that need flu vaccines refuse them and every year our office orders too many or worse too few vaccines. It seems nobody wants them when we have plenty and everybody wants them when we run out. Every spring, the World Health Organization predicts what strains need to be in the vaccines and doctors offices are asked to predict how many vaccines they will need.

As of February 2010, flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and up.
Two doses separated by at least one month are recommended for children less than 9 years old who have not previously been vaccinated.

There are two types of influenza (flu) vaccines available the standard flu shot and the nasal Flumist. Both the Flumist and flu shot protect again the same influenza strains. Both the Flumist and flu shots are approved for breast feeding women. People who are egg allergic should not have a flu vaccine.

The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine and approved for children 6 months and up. It is safe for pregnant women and close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. Side effects include soreness, local reaction, and low grade fever.

Flumist is approved for people 2 to 49 years old. You cannot get Flumist if you have asthma, heart disease, are immunosuppressed or are pregnant. The Flumist is a live attenuated vaccine and people who have had the vaccine should not be around people who are immunosuppressed for at least seven days. Side effects include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, sore throat and fever.

Each year the World Health Organization makes an educated guess at the likely influenza strains for the fall. Each year, the effectiveness of the vaccine depends on the match between the vaccine and the flu strains in environment. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains.
The 2010-11 flu vaccines contain protection against three influenza strains:
1.) A/California/7/2009(H1N1)
2.) A/Perth/16/2009(H3N2)
3.) B/Brisbane/60/2008

The first strain, the H1N1 (“swine flu”) strain is the same strain used in the 2009 “Swine” flu vaccine. Admittedly, I did not recommend the swine flu vaccine last year secondary to safety concerns. After further testing and millions of doses later, I no longer have those concerns.

Vaccination remains the only effective method to prevent influenza. There are available anti-viral medications but they are largely ineffective secondary to massive resistance. Last year a study revealed 98% of H1N1 strains were resistant to the major anti-viral medication recommended for treatment.
Fighting influenza requires a community effort. I want my family and my patients to be part of the solution. Get your flu vaccine early!

This fall our office will get irregular shipments of flu vaccine. We typically will run out of Flumist and Flu shots before receiving additional shipments. My facebook page “Orlando Pediatrician” will have up to date information on Pediatric Associate's flu supply.

By: Dr Gregory Gordon, Pediatrician in Orlando