Free flu vaccine for children now available from health department

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is now offering free flu vaccine for children and teens at its Medical Annex.

Both the injection and nasal spray variety is available while supplies last. Parents do need to make an appointment to have a child vaccinated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated for influenza as soon as it is available.  Last year, two separate vaccines were recommended—an H1N1 vaccination, and a seasonal influenza vaccination. This flu season, only one influenza vaccination is necessary. However, children younger than 9 years old who are being vaccinated for the first time need a second dose four weeks apart to be protected.

“Even if your child was vaccinated for H1N1 last year, it is important to get the vaccine again this year,” says Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County Health Commissioner. “This time you only need the one vaccine to be fully protected against H1N1 and other strains of flu which might be circulating.”

The department has the traditional flu shot for children and teens ages six months to 18 years. The department is also offering FluMist, an intranasal spray for healthy children ages 2 to 18.  FluMist is not suitable for children younger than 2 or children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma.

The Immunization Clinic is at the department’s Medical Annex, 4813 New Haven Ave. The clinic’s hours are Wednesday and Friday from 8:30. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call (260) 449-7514 to make an appointment.

Children under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian (with notarized documentation). Parents should also bring the child’s shot record.

Adults who want to get the flu vaccine should check with their physician or visit one of the vaccine clinics offered by Lutheran or Parkview health systems.

Flu prevention measures

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.
• Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you are ill. Try to avoid other people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

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