Time for Back To School Vaccines New Vaccines Available

For school-age kids and anyone else, September is not too early to think about getting a flu vaccine. If you wait until flu season has officially begun, it may be too late. Most doctor offices will start immunizing patients October 1st.

's8220;In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated,'s8221; said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. 's8220;However, certain people should get vaccinated. They are people who are either at higher risk of developing complications from the flu or people who live with or care for those at high risk.'s8221;

New this year are recommendations to increase protection for more children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that all children (including healthy children) ages 6 months to under 5 years should receive the flu vaccine each year. Most people who need the flu shot only need one shot each year. However, children under 9 years of age who have never received any flu shot need two doses, 1 month apart, the first year.

In addition to these recommendations for healthy children, other persons who are at increased risk for flu-related complications and severe disease that should receive an annual vaccine are pregnant women, persons 50 years of age or older, and persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma or other lung problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures or other neuromuscular problems, and those with immune problems. The CDC also recommends that persons who live with or care for persons at high-risk should also get the flu vaccine.

While there have been flu vaccine supply issues in past years, there are no projected vaccine shortages this year. 's8220;Even though school-age children and young to middle-aged adults are at less risk, flu shots are still a good idea for all because they really work,'s8221; he said. 's8220;I's8217;ve had shots annually for 16 years and only had the flu twice.'s8221;

Dr. Arteaga, a pediatrician for more than 20 years, spends every flu season surrounded by coughing and sneezing patients. He has heard lots of excuses for not getting a flu shot. 's8220;You hear, 's8216;The shots will just give you the flu themselves,'s8217; and, 's8216;Shots don's8217;t really make a difference,'s8217;'s8221; he said. 's8220;The fact is shots do make a difference. They really do help.'s8221; What's8217;s more, healthy children and adults, ages 5-49, that are not in the high-risk categories can have a nasal spray vaccine instead of a flu shot. The nasal vaccine uses a deactivated virus instead of a killed virus.

Getting the flu is usually a lot worse than any side effects from the vaccine. 's8220;Why take a chance with the flu and it's8217;s complications's8221;

During a typical flu season, anywhere from 5 - 20 percent of the population will become infected. Of these, 200,000 will suffer symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization, and 36,000 will die, according to figures from the Center for Disease Control. As Dr. Arteaga says, 's8220;It takes just 30 seconds and a very short, minor sting to possibly save weeks of discomfort and potential serious complications. Is it worth it You bet.'s8221;

LaSalle Medical Associates has 150 employees, including 19 physicians, with medical facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. It accepts most forms of insurance, and will help patients who have no insurance to obtain coverage. For those who cannot get coverage, low-cost flu immunizations are available.

For more information or to make an appointment call the clinic closest to you.

- The Mt. Vernon Clinic in San Bernardino is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday. For an appointment call (909) 884-9091. This clinic provides Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatric and OB/GYN services.

- The 17th Street Clinic in San Bernardino is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For an appointment call (909) 887-6494. This clinic provides services Pediatric and Neurology services.

- The Fontana Clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For an appointment call (909) 823-4454. This clinic provides Pediatric and Teen Services.

- The Hesperia Clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and from 8:00 am too 7:00 pm, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. For an appointment call (760) 947-2161. This clinic provides Internal Medicine, and Pediatric services.

- The Lake Elsinore Clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday,. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. For an appointment call (951) 674-5686. This clinic provides Pediatric services.

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