The first week of December is National Influenza Vaccine Week, December 2-8, 2012. Did you know a new batch of flu vaccine is made each year? Last season’s flu vaccine won’t work so it is important to get vaccinated with this season’s vaccine. Each vaccine is made as needed to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will be the most common.
As a mom and a wife, these are points that I take seriously when it comes to protecting my family.
[quote style=”boxed”]“Mommy and Daddy’s job is to keep their kids safe and protect them.” – words of my 5 year old.[/quote]This week we will go to the doctor for our vaccines. My youngest is overdue for his yearly check-up so, most likely, his pediatrician will give both my boys the vaccine in the office. We spend a lot of time in parks (we are in Texas so yes, it’s still warm enough), holiday festivals and of course, shopping centers this time of year. I want to protect mis hijos.
Influenza vaccines are not just for children though. The flu can make anyone sick. Yes, even our hombres who insist they ‘never get sick’. However, there are some people who are at greater risk. These are a few. (Complete list is here.)
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- Children younger than five years of age, but especially younger than two
- People with chronic lung disease (such as asthma and COPD), diabetes (types 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other chronic conditions
- Those who are morbidly obese (body-mass index of 40 or greater)
- Pregnant women and women within the first two weeks after delivery
If any of the persons mentioned above are in your household, it is important to get them vaccinated as well as those close to them.
Gente, in my family diabetes is not our favorite D word. Mexican Americans are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with diabetes.** When a person with diabetes gets sick with the flu, it may be difficult to maintain their regular diet or medication regimen.
[box]Note: If you have diabetes, you should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine.[/box]
Unfortunately, more than 200,000 people may be hospitalized during a flu season. Work to prevent your loved ones becoming one of them.
More information is available on the Center for Disease Control’s website. Para obtener más información sobre vacunación contra la influenza en español por favor visite el sitio web Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermades.
To help you out, please enter you zip code in the widget below to find a vaccine location near you.
*All facts and figures are from Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unless otherwise noted.
**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
