Flu Season in Western New York 2021-2022

Flu season has now spread across Western New York, it is STRONGLY recommended all patients 6 months and older get their flu shot. Don’t delay in getting your child the flu shot, please contact our office at (716) 884-0230 to book your appointment.

Only Injectable Shots are Recommended

Over the past several flu seasons, the nasal spray vaccinations did not offer sufficient protection against the main strains of the influenza virus. Because of this, it is recommended that only shots are administered.

Vaccines are Updated to Better Fight Circulating Viruses

Researchers have identified four of the most potentially prevalent forms of the flu virus for late 2021 and early 2022. Most vaccines will offer protection against:

• (H1Ni) – A/Victoria/2570/2019
• (H3N2) – A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020
• (B/Washington) – B/Victoria lineage/02/2019
• (B/Phuket) -B/Yamagata lineage/3073/2013-

Recommendations for Those With Egg Allergies

For anyone with egg allergies, recommendations for administering the flu shot depend on symptoms suffered from the allergy. If only hives are experienced after exposure to egg, that person can receive the flu vaccine.

For anyone whose egg allergy causes angioedema (swelling of deeper skin tissue,) difficulty breathing, or emergency intervention of any kind, a shot must be administered in a medical setting with a professional who is trained to recognize signs of a severe allergic reaction and distress.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot!  It is especially important for certain groups to get the shot:

Pregnant Women. Pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu because of changes in their immune system. Since serious illness can lead to hospitalization or even premature labor, it is important to get a flu shot. Both mom and baby receive the benefits of the vaccine. They are both protected even after delivery.

Young Children. Even in healthy children, the unpredictable nature of the flu virus can cause serious illness. There were 105 influenza-associated pediatric deaths during the 2016-2017 flu season, so it is recommended that children six months of age and older receive the vaccine. It should also be noted that children who are under five years old are especially susceptible to influenza-related complications.

In addition, anyone with the following conditions should receive a flu shot:

• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Diabetes

Schedule Your Child’s Flu Shot Today

Don’t delay in getting your child the flu shot, please contact our office at (716) 884-0230 to book your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Categorized in: Flu, Vaccines

This post was written by Delaware Pediatrics