It’s back to school time. For germs, too!! We may be facing a difficult flu season this year as the novel H1N1 influenza virus spreads in addition to seasonal influenza. Good handwashing is the key to prevention!

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

Children less than 9 years old who received the seasonal flu vaccine for the first time this year (or received the flu vaccine for the first time last year and only got one dose) need a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.

For information of H1N1 click here.

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.

All Flu clinics are in our Monroeville office.

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 SesameStreet.com and for older children listen to the CDC Kidtastics Podcast.