Tahoe/Colonial Collaborative for Healthy Children

Health Notes Nov/Dec 2000

FLU VACCINE - Judi Vallero, M.D.

The “flu” is caused by an influenza virus. Common symptoms include fever,
chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and cough. Complications from the
flu include pneumonia, possible hospitalization, and death from complications
of chronic health problems. It is spread from person to person by inhalation of
small particles (for example, if someone sneezed or coughed near you without
adequately covering their nose or mouth), direct contact, or by contact of
recently contaminated nasal secretions (for example, a recently used tissue).
For these reasons, good hygiene and handwashing are a must. People are
most contagious during the first 24 hours of onset of symptoms and during the
most symptomatic period.
The flu vaccine is made yearly by predicting which types of the virus will be
most likely infectious. It is about 70% effective in preventing the flu. Even if you
do get the flu after receiving the flu shot, it can help prevent serious
complications. The “flu shot” is made from a “killed” virus particles which
means it cannot cause the flu after being given. Your body then makes
antibodies to these particles and are effective within 2-4 weeks of receiving the
shot. Some reactions to the flu shot can be a local reaction at the injection site
or fever. Since the vaccine is grown on an egg preparation, it is not
recommended for people who are allergic to chicken or eggs. It is best to
receive the flu vaccine by October or November.
It is recommended YEARLY for CHILDREN 6months of age and older with risk
factors of: 1) asthma, chronic lung problems such as cystic fibrosis, 2) heart
disease, 3) HIV, 4) sickle cell anemia, 4) rheumatoid arthritis, Kawasaki’s
disease, 5) kidney problems, 6) diabetes.
It is recommended YEARLY in ADULTS who a) are older than 50 years, b)
pregnant women in their second and third trimester only, c) living with children
with one of the above illnesses, d) people with impaired immune systems like
HIV, cancer, or organ transplant, e) have lung problems like asthma or
emphysema, f) work in health care, g) school teachers, h) people who work in
close contact with the public.
You can ask your primary care provider for the flu vaccine. Or, you can get the
flu vaccine at:

Long’s Drug Store Cost: $12

400 Howe Ave. Sacramento Tel: 929-9575 Nov. 21 5-7PM
1349 Florin Rd. Tel: 392-1004 Dec. 2 10AM-12PM
3400 El Camino Ave. Tel: 485-4931 Nov. 18 1-4PM or
Dec. 1 5-8P
6300 Mack Rd. Tel: 427-7478 Dec. 1 4-6PM
7465 Rush River Rd. Tel: 391-1200 Dec. 3 2-5PM
3400 Arden Way Tel: 480-0415 Dec. 5 4-7PM

Raley’s Supermarket & Drug Centers Cost: $11 (will accept medi-cal)

7847 Lichen Drive (Citrus Heights) Tel: 969-4630
Dec. 1 10AM-1PM, 2PM-6PM and Dec. 2 10AM-1PM, 2PM-6PM
4551 Mack Rd. (Sacramento) Tel: 421-3267 Dec. 8 10AM-6PM or Dec. 9
10AM-6PM

PREVNAR VACCINE - Judi Vallero, M.D.

The new prevnar vaccine is a streptococcal vaccine which has been recently
made offered by pediatricians. It is a new vaccine which can help prevent
meningitis, blood infections and ear infections caused by this bacteria. This
bacteria is usually spread from person to person through close contact. The
vaccine’s protection lasts at least 3 years. Children are most at risk during their
first 2 years. The risks of the vaccine are minimal. Some children may
experience soreness, swelling, redness at the site of injection. Few may
experience a mild fever.
The number of doses depends on the age of your child. It is currently
recommended for children under 2 years of age. It may be given along with
their other childhood vaccines. Children between 2-5 years old who would
benefit from the vaccine have: sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, or have diseases
or are on medications that damage the immune system. Also children in this
age group who would benefit are Alaskan, American Indian, African American,
or attend group day care would also benefit from this vaccine.
If you would like to start your child on the prevnar series, ask your pediatrician
or health care clinic to do so!

HEPATITIS A VACCINE - Judi Vallero, M.D.

Hepatitis A is a virus which affects the liver. It can causes the liver to become
damaged, inflamed, and painful. It is passed on from eating or drinking things
that are contaminated by the virus. It is spread by direct contact with infected
stool, saliva, or blood. An infected person may pass hepatitis A to others by not
washing his or her hands (especially after going to the bathroom) before
handling food that others are going to eat. You can also get it from drinking
contaminated water or by eating shellfish taken from contaminated waters.
The usual treatment is bed rest and avoiding things that will affect your liver
until the infection goes away. There are no antibiotics that will help. If you
know that you are exposed, you may be given antibodies to help protect
against getting a severe hepatitis A infection. It does not prevent it.
There is now a hepatitis A vaccine that is available for adults and children over
2 years old. It consists of 2 shots which are spaced 6 months apart. It can help
protect against hepatitis A for many years!

Need More Information?

American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Resources
Children's Health Topics from the UCD Wellness Center
UCDMC Wellness Center Home Page