Flu Vaccines: Why Are They Important

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.  Babies younger than 6 months old can’t get the vaccine, but if their parents, caregivers, and siblings are vaccinated, it will help protect the baby.

What Are the Types of Flu Vaccine?

Different types of flu vaccines are available. One type (called trivalent) protects against three strains of the flu virus (usually, two types of influenza A virus and one influenza B virus). Another type (called quadrivalent) protects against four strains (usually, two types of influenza A virus and two types of influenza B virus).

When Should Kids Get the Flu Vaccine?

Flu season runs from October to May. It’s best to get a flu shot as early in the season as possible, as it gives the body a chance to build up immunity to (protection from) the flu.

“2017/18 was a deadly flu season in the North East.” Says Dr. Heather Cook, Pediatrician at Monsey Health Center.  “Please immunize your children NOW against the flu.”  She stresses.

MMR Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Why get vaccinated?

Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral diseases that can have serious consequences. Before vaccines, these diseases were very common in the United States, especially among children.

Measles virus causes symptoms that can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, and infection of the lungs (pneumonia). Rarely, measles can cause brain damage or death.

The spread of Measles doesn’t even require personal contact. You can get measles by entering a room that a person with measles left up to 2 hours before.

Dr. Cook wants to make sure all parents are aware that, “Monsey is in the midst of a measles outbreak.  It is critical that all children be properly immunized against measles as well as all childhood diseases in a timely manner.”

Dr. Gerson Gluck, Pediatrician at Monsey Health Center explains, “When you immunize your child, you’re not only protecting your child from those horrible diseases, there is a second and very important benefit, YOU STOP THE SPREAD OF DISEASES.  Your vaccinated child will protect your neighbor, that newly pregnant mother, those frail grandparents who are much more prone to severe illness or that classmate who has a chronic illness, preventing him/her from being vaccinated.”

Children should get 2 doses of MMR vaccine:

• First dose: 12 through 15 months of age
• Second dose:4 through 6 years of age

Infants who will be traveling outside the United States when they are between 6 and 11 months of age should get a dose of MMR vaccine before travel. This can provide temporary protection from measles infection, but will not give permanent immunity. The child should still get 2 doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection.