NH Healthy Families

Here are some helpful tips from New Hampshire Healthy Families:

Will you be pregnant this flu season? Doctors recommend that you get a flu shot. Being pregnant increases your risk of getting very sick from the flu. Stay healthy during your pregnancy. Get vaccinated.

Studies show that the flu shot is safe for pregnant women.

Who needs a flu vaccination?

A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children from the ages of 6 months up to 18 years get a flu vaccine every fall or winter. Children getting a vaccine for the first time need two doses. Contact your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) to schedule an appointment for your child to receive their flu vaccine. If they do not have a PCP, call your health plan to choose a PCP.

·              Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older.

·              For babies younger than 6 months, you can protect your child by getting a flu vaccine for yourself. Also encourage your child’s close contacts to get a flu vaccine. This is very important if your child is younger than 5. It is also important if your child has a chronic health problem like asthma (breathing disease) or diabetes (high blood sugar levels).

·              A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older. Children under 5 years old who have had wheezing in the past year or any child with chronic health problems should get the flu shot.

If you have questions about whether you should get a flu shot, speak to your doctor.  To learn more about New Hampshire Healthy Families call: 1-866-769-3085 (TDD/TTY 1-855-742-0123) or visit www.NHhealthyfamilies.com.