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The single best way for families to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital are partnering to offer free seasonal* flu shots to those in the community ages 6 months and older. Free flu shots are available while supplies last and no pre-registration is required. All vaccines are preservative free.
The following are recommendations for children:
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for all children ages 6 months and older.
- If this is the first year your child is receiving the flu vaccine and he/she is between 6 months and 8 years old, a second follow-up vaccine is required four weeks after the first dose for maximum effectiveness. (Only the first dose will be given at these clinics; you will need to see your primary health care provider for the follow-up vaccine).
- All children 17 years & under must be accompanied by a parent. A grandparent can bring the child with a written consent from the parent.
Other FAQ's:
- FluMist and intra-dermal vaccines will NOT be available at the Free Community Flu Shot Clinics
- The vaccine does NOT contain thimerosal.
- A flu shot will NOT be given if a person has had an allergic reaction in the past, latex allergy, egg allergy or ever had Gullian-Barre Syndrome.
- A flu shot should NOT be given if a person currently has a fever or respiratory illness.
* This year the seasonal flu vaccine protects against three strains of the virus, including H1N1. It is highly recommended that people receive the seasonal flu vaccine each year to protect against the flu. |