6 months and annually

• Seasonal influenza. Beginning in the 2010-2011 flu season, the seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against H1N1 flu, as well as other flu strains.
  The vaccine is recommended every year for children older than 6 months. Kids under 9 who get a flu vaccine for the first time will receive it in two separate doses a month apart.
  Although children 6 months to 5 years old are still considered the group of kids who need the flu vaccine the most, updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend that all older kids and teens get it, too (as long as enough is available).
  It's especially important for high-risk kids to be vaccinated. High-risk groups include, but aren't limited to, kids with asthma, heart problems, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  It can take up to 2 weeks after the shot is given for the body to build up immunity against the flu.

Posted in: Immunization