Back to school time means more germs floating around. Good handwashing is the key to prevention!

Seasonal Influenza vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older.

No appointment is needed. Please bring your child's insurance card with you.

Your child must be an East Suburban Pediatrics patient to receive a vaccine.

The number of doses of Influenza Vaccine your child (ages 6 months - 8 years) needs may be determined by following the chart below.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent the spread of influenza:

• Take time to get the flu vaccine for you and your children.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Teach your children how to wash their hands properly. There are several good resources online to help children learn good hand washing skills. For younger children check out Elmo's video on Sesame Street and for older children listen to the CDC Kidtastics Podcast.