Dear
Parent/Guardian:
The
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is
pleased to announce the launch of the 2007-2008 influenza (flu)
immunization campaign. This comprehensive vaccination is an effort
to raise awareness of influenza and to protect New Jersey's children
through influenza vaccination. The flu is not just a "bad
cold." It is a serious disease that causes 36,000 deaths nationwide
each year.
Flu
vaccinations are no longer just for senior citizens. Very young
children are also at great risk of serious illness form the flu
that may result in hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) are recommending influenza vaccination for healthy
children age 6 months up through their 5th birthday, there household
contacts and out-of-home caregivers. In addition, CDC recommends
flu vaccine for any child 6 months to 18 years of age that has
chronic health conditions.
Children
getting the flu shot for the first time this year will need two
doses of vaccine, separated by either 4 or 6 weeks, depending on
the vaccine provided. In addition if your child was vaccinated
for the first time last year, and they only revived one dose they
will need to receive two doses of flu vaccine this year. IN subsequent
years they will only need a single dose. Because of these recommendations,
many children, their family members, and out of home caregivers
will be vaccinated during this year’s flu season. Contact
your health care provider early to set up an appointment to get
your child and/or yourself vaccinated.
As
part of this campaign, educations materials for parents are available
at the NJDHSS Communicable Disease Service website at www.nj.gov/flu.
Information on how to find flu shot clinics in your area is also
available at this website.
Join
us our efforts to reduce the impact that the flu has of New Jersey’s
children. Make vaccinations a family affair.
Sincerely,
Eddy Bresnitz, M.D., M.S.
Deputy Commissioner/State Epidemiologist
Public Health Services |
