School is back which means it’s time to start thinking about flu shots.
Flu typically starts before Thanksgiving and the flu shot (like most vaccines) takes 2-3 weeks to be fully effective so it is important to get vaccinated well in advance of the fall Holidays.
The best way to combat the flu is to get a yearly flu shot. Children who get flu vaccines are less likely to get the flu and less likely to transmit it to others. While the vaccine is never perfect at preventing illness, even when children do get the flu despite being vaccinated, they tend to be much less sick than their unvaccinated peers and are far less likely to have complications such as pneumonia or dehydration.
Flu shots are available in our office on a walk-in bases on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3-5 pm starting Sept 15 and running through Dec 3. There are also scheduled flu shot appointments throughout the day on Columbus Day. The best time to get vaccinated is before flu season begins, so get your child vaccinated ASAP.