Flu Vaccines

2350 N. Kibler, Suite 1    •    Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 648-KIDS (5437)    •    (520) 648-5438 (Fax)

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In years past, we have primarily given seasonal flu vaccine to high risk patients (listed below).  However, the recommendation recently changed to include everyone in the pediatric age group (6 months to 18 years of age).  We do recommend that as many children as possible receive this vaccine, though we may not end up with enough available to give it to everybody.  There is often a national shortage of flu vaccine so supplies may be limited.  During flu vaccine season, you can see the HOME PAGE for current information on our supply.

The flu vaccine is offered in injectable and nasal spray forms.  The nasal spray form is for patients 2 years or older.  It cannot be given to patients under 5 years of age who have had wheezing or asthma in the past year or to patients over 5 who have asthma that is not in very good control.  It also cannot be given to many children with a chronic illness.  When you come for your appointment, you can ask if your child is a candidate for this vaccine.

Those who are at highest risk from the flu (and therefore for whom we most strongly recommend the vaccine) are:

bulletchildren aged 6 months to 5 years;
bulletchildren and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
bulletwomen who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
bulletadults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma (hypertension is not considered a high-risk condition);
bulletadults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including immunodeficiency caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]);
bulletadults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
bulletresidents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions; and
bulletpersons aged >65 years.

Also, a flu vaccine is strongly recommended for any household contact of any of the people listed above and for anyone who works in health care.

Children under 9 years of age who have never had a flu vaccine before should get two doses at least 4 weeks apart.