Watch CBS News

Parents Should Start Thinking About Flu Shots Now

DENVER (CBS4) - Fall hasn't arrived yet but experts want parents to start thinking about preventing influenza now. They're recommending children 6 months and older get a flu shot as soon as possible.

Some of this year's flu vaccines promise a little more protection.

Guardian Urgent Care in Denver, and others, expects to get the flu vaccine in the next few weeks. The staff at Guardian Urgent Care invites everyone to come in for their shot and definitely bring the children.

"The big reason is because the flu kills people, and the flu hits young people, immuno-compromised people, and elderly people the hardest," Physician's Assistant Brent Turner with Guardian Urgent Care said.

At Guardian Urgent Care they treat 20 to 30 patients a week in the height of a flu outbreak. They're gearing up for what this season may bring.

"We've actually seen three or four cases in the clinic already this summer, so it's not just a winter thing," Turner said.

Parents should be aware that new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics say children ages 6 months or older should get a flu shot as soon as its available.

"People should not wait until December or January or February to get the vaccine," Dr. Henry Bernstein with the Cohen Children's Medical Center said.

Bernstein authored this year's report and says it's important to be protected before the flu starts circulating.

This year, for the first time, there will be a flu vaccine available that protects against four strains of the virus instead of just three. All the nasal spray vaccines sold in the U.S. will be the four-strain variety, and a few varieties of shots will be as well.

"Something's better than nothing, that's the important thing," Turner said.

Medical experts have no preference for one vaccine over the other. They just say get the shot and do it as soon as possible.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.