Pediatrics Seasonal Update – Summer

School is back in session and UMC Pediatrics wants to make sure you and your family stays healthy as cold and flu season approaches.

• Get your flu vaccine!
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends flu vaccines be given to all children 6 months and older.
• Depending on your child’s age, he/she might need two doses of the vaccine this year in order to be fully protected – be sure to ask your pediatrician about the current recommendations.
• There are a lot of myths out there about flu vaccines.  Make sure you know the facts.  The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu and will not make your child ill.  Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions about the safety of the vaccine.
• Decrease the spread of infections in daycare and school settings!
• Don’t send your child to school or daycare if they have had a fever in the past 24 hours, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive coughing, or a skin infection (until they have started treatment).
• Teach your children to cover their mouth with their hands when they cough or sneeze; wash their hands after going to the bathroom and before/after eating; and avoid putting their fingers in their mouth or eyes.
• Make sure your child is up-to-date on his/her vaccinations.  There is a new requirement in Alabama for the TdaP vaccination which contains a booster for pertussis (whooping cough).  If your child is 11 years or older, talk with one of us to make sure your child has received this vaccination.