Influenza Season Update

Guidelines for Administering Seasonal Influenza Vaccine to Minors

• Protocol
• Standing Orders

Did you know?

• Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu -- most are over 65 years old. More people die from complications from the flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.
• Annually about 226,000 people in the United States are hospitalized because of the flu. Children younger than 2 years of age are as likely to be hospitalized as those over 65.
• Influenza vaccine is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year.

The best time to get the flu vaccine is in October or November; however vaccination in December, or even later, can be beneficial in most years. Most people need only one flu shot each year to prevent influenza. However, children under 9 years of age getting flu vaccine for the first time should get two shots, one month apart.

To locate an influenza vaccination clinic near you: