New Immunization Guidelines for Children

I just received my latest Baptist Health newsletter which surprised me with the news of updated vaccine schedules for children. This means I get to tick off my 8 year old DD1 with the news that she has to get an extra chicken pox (varicella) shot and in a year or two she'll be getting the new vaccine for papilloma virus prevention. DD2 will also be screaming in horror with her 2nd chicken pox shot as well. Despite the anticipated yearly screaming ordeal, we are really good at keeping our vaccinations up to date.

We also have to do flu shots in October, due to the asthma running in our family. DD2 took the last round pretty well. They created a cartoon called the flu bug, that she still talks about a year later - she likes that the shot killed it....what can I say - good marketing by the vaccine clinic.

Anyway, here's a summary of changes on the vaccination schedule....

1. Rotavirus immunization should now be given in three doses at ages two, four and six months. This oral vaccine protects children from one of the most serious causes of diarrhea and vomiting.



2. A new vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been added to the schedule. If possible, three doses should be given to girls ages 11 to 12. However, it can be started as young as age nine. A catch-up version is available for girls age 13 to women age 26.



3. Flu shots are now recommended for all children ages six months to five years. Influenza can cause high fever, congestion, cough, vomiting and muscle aches. "The vaccine is important not only to protect your child from the flu, but to help keep the transmission of the influenza virus to a minimum in our community," says pediatrician Sonja France, MD. "For older children and adults, there is also an inhaled flu vaccine available that offers even better protection."



4. Guidelines for the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine have been updated. Children should now get the first dose at ages 12 to 15 months, with a second shot at age four to six years.