News Release                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                November 27, 2008

Children Should Receive Flu Shot

The flu season is almost upon us and many parents are asking, “Does my child really need the flu shot?” If your child is over six months of age and does not have any reason not to receive the vaccine, the answer is an emphatic “Yes!”.

Vaccinating your family is the very best way to guard against the flu. 

Droplets in the air spread flu when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces like toys, telephones or computers. Preschool and school aged children are most likely to spread flu to other family members and their community.

Up to 40% of all children get ill with the flu each year and one per cent requires hospital care. Children under two years have a high rate of hospitalization with flu complications, similar to people 65 and older. The flu shot is up to 90% effective to prevent flu in children and up to 73% effective in preventing respiratory illness with fever. The flu vaccine reduces ear infections by up to 36% in young children, lessening the need for antibiotics and the resulting antibiotic resistance. Vaccinating children will decrease the spread of flu in the community, reduce respiratory illness and cut the number of missed days at school and work

The flu shot will help to keep our kids healthy and protect our community.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1230