ATLANTA (September 1, 2020) – With influenza and respiratory illness season right around the corner and the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 continuing to circulate, seeking protection against the flu is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal flu infections were associated with nearly 200 pediatric deaths and more than half a million total hospitalizations nationwide during the 2019-20 influenza season. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is urging families to get a flu vaccination—the best form of prevention—as soon as flu vaccines are available in the community.
“The flu season is unpredictable, and the continued presence of SARS-CoV-2 increases the need to protect families against flu,” said Andi Shane, MD, System Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at Children’s. “Flu vaccination of everyone 6 months and older will help make sure we decrease the chances of severe flu infections to keep our loved ones safe. It does not matter whether you get a ‘shot,’ available to all, or a ‘mist,’ available to eligible children and adults—any form of the flu vaccine will help us all to stay as healthy as possible.”
Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated annually against influenza. Children younger than 9 years old who have received fewer than two lifetime flu vaccine doses will need two doses this season, which should be given at least four weeks apart. Check with your child’s healthcare professional.
“Every child should see their primary care provider to get immunized against the flu as soon as possible,” said Jim Fortenberry, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Children’s. “Wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance are the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses you may encounter this season.”
If your child missed well visits or scheduled appointments over the last several months, Children’s also recommends contacting your pediatrician to return to a regular schedule. Annual checkups are crucial in allowing pediatricians to monitor the growth, development, and mental and physical health of their patients, as well as keeping them caught up on important vaccinations.
“We know that families may feel overwhelmed given the current environment, but Children’s remains in partnership with our community physicians to help everyone safely and effectively navigate these unprecedented times,” said Dan Salinas, MD, Chief of Community Clinical Integration at Children’s. “Pediatricians’ offices are open and prepared to keep families safe, and they are cleaning extensively and carefully scheduling appointments. It is extremely important to make sure your children are coming in for regular checkups to maintain immunization schedules and curb the spread of other vaccine-preventable diseases that could cause outbreaks. These appointments also provide a prime opportunity for you and your child or teen to discuss any behavioral or emotional health concerns.”
To better understand flu and respiratory illness symptoms, and when to seek care for your child, visit choa.org/flu. To find out where flu shots are available, visit Healthmap Vaccine.