Contact: Myrna Manners, Kathleen Robinson, Peggy Sung
Phone: (212) 821-0560
E-mail: pes2001@mail.med.cornell.edu
 

NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN
IMMUNIZED FOR FLU

New York, NY (August 1999)—The winter months are approaching—the time of year when most flu outbreaks occur—and it is important for parents to know that now is the time to have your children immunized.  This is a particularly important health issue for children with asthma, and other high-risk medical problems.

What many parents do not realize is that the flu vaccine is most effective when administered during the fall months—before the onset of the flu season, which usually begins in early December.  However, it should also be noted that it is still appropriate to have the vaccine administered in December and January.  Parents should also be advised that the flu vaccine is reformulated each year so that children, especially those with asthma, should be vaccinated on an annual basis.

For most of us, the flu can be a debilitating illness lasting several days. However, for children with asthma and other high-risk medical problems, the flu can lead to more serious complications and, in many cases, they require hospitalization.

It is estimated that, during major flu epidemics, high-risk individuals are two to five times more likely to be hospitalized depending on the age group.  In addition to children with asthma, other high risk groups include children with chronic lung or cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney dysfuction, sickle cell anemia, or any form of immune suppression.

The Children’s AIR Center at the Weill Cornell Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital has already begun its Influenza Vaccination Campaign.  Physicians and nurses at the Center strongly urge parents to have their children immunized so that the vaccine will provide optimal protection during the months of December and January when flu epidemics are at their peak.

Dr. David Valacer is Chief of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology, Chief of Pediatric Primary Care, and Director of the Children’s Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Center at the Weill Cornell Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.