Changes to the School’s Flu Vaccination Program.
August 24, 2016There are changes to the 2016-17 School’s Flu Vaccination Program in Palm Beach as it moves to injectable (shot) administration at schools. We have received calls and messages from many of our patient’s parents expressing concerns regarding the Healthy Schools student program and this year’s Seasonal Vaccine (IIV) Consent form.
As a Mother of two, I completely understand the hesitation in sending your child to get injectable needle shots without your presence. As a pediatrician, I am aware of the importance of adequate pre-shot screening, tools and strategies that can be implemented for kids comfort, avoiding stress during the administration, and, after shot monitoring and handling of possible complications (such as discomfort, rashes and fever).
We trust that companies providing vaccination programs at school along with the School District and Health Department are working on protocols and strategies that will maximize the success and minimize associated complications, such as suffering brought on by the phobia of needles among some of our kids. After all, we like schools to remain a safe and fun place for learning. We also have awesome school teachers in Palm Beach and very skilled administrative staff in most of the schools in our community that we trust will be allowed to become part of the process.
In an effort to provide helpful information to our patient’s parents and help alleviate some of the concerns, we will be updating this post as more information becomes available from reliable sources.
Flu Mist administration for flu vaccine is not available this season. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is not recommending the use of the active influenza vaccine as a flu mist presentation for the 2016-17 season. (For official statement click here) The flu mist was preferred by some parents since it was not delivered by needle but administered with a syringe spray (flu mist) into a nostril. Without the flu mist availability, school vaccination programs are turning to the Inactive Influenza Vaccine (IIV) or Flucellvax/FluZone, meaning that this year’s vaccines at school are all injectable.
Participation in the school flu vaccination program is voluntary. We encourage all families to consider receiving the Influenza Vaccination and help our community remain as safe as possible to all. Either considering the school program or administering it at your Pediatrician’s office, the flu vaccine remains a preventable measure against seasonal Influenza recommended by the CDC.
The Vaccine Information Statement from the CDC is the best source for reliable and detailed information about the flu vaccine available (Flucellvax/FluZone). It provides information including risk and benefits of vaccination. Click here
SuperKids Pediatrics will be offering Flu Shots for the 2016-17 season. The unavailability of FluMist and increased concerns over the injectable alternative at school is a development that could affect the overall influenza vaccine supply. Based on communications with the manufacturer, we are not aware of any supply delays or shortage, and we expect the initial vaccine delivery by the last week of August (August 29th) so first appointments are being scheduled starting the first week of September. We will provide immediate updates if there are any changes. We encourage you to call our office and schedule an appointment as early as possible. We will be prioritizing children with high risk conditions (like asthma and allergies) and children younger than 5 years but older than 6 months of age as a first come first serve basis.
Cold and Flu Season, Let’s Fight it Out is a great read for basic information on Flu, what to do and what not to do. It also provides recommendations and tips. To read click here.
by: Lizaida Medina Candelaria, MD FAAP
Dr. Medina is a Board Certified Pediatrician and an active member of the AAP and Palm Beach Pediatric Society.
Her office, at SuperKids Pediatrics is located in Palm Beach Gardens.
Phone: 561-619-2460 / info@skpediatrics.com / www.skpediatrics.com / www.facebook.com /
9121 North Military Trail Ste 102, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
