| Children's
flu vaccines available
All of St. Mary’s Clinics now have the Children’s flu vaccines. According to Char Arnzen, Clinic RN, “Now is the prime time to get your children in to get their flu shots. We have the vaccines for 6 to 36 month old children as well as the one for children between the ages of 36 months to 18 years. You do not need to make an appointment, just stop by any of our clinics; however there is a limit supply of the vaccines so it is on a first come first serve basis.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; influenza (“the flu”) is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, many children get sick with seasonal influenza; some of those illnesses result in death. * Children commonly need medical care because of influenza, especially before they turn 5 years old. * Severe influenza complications are most common in children younger than 2 years old. * Children with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system are at especially high risk of developing serious flu complications. * Each year an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications. * Flu seasons vary in severity, however some children die from flu each year. During the 2012-2013 influenza season, more than 165 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported. “The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year,” commented Arnzen. SMH Clinics also still have a supply of adult vaccines and insurances will be billed for these. |
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