Flu Shots Delayed

The American Academy of Pediatrics has announced that there will be a delay in shipment of flu shots for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Sanofi Pasteur is the only maker of flu vaccine for children under 3 and their production has been slowed because of difficulty growing one of the strains of influenza used in this year's vaccine. They still believe that the full shipment should be delivered by late November or early December. This will allow plenty of time for children to be immunized before the peak of flu season, which is usually January through March. Our Guide to Pediatrics, Dr. Vincent Ianelli, M.D., has a great article explaining the flu shot delays and what they will mean for your child. Other vaccine makers have not indicated any problems or shortages, so all vaccines for adults and children over three should be available either now or in the very near future. About a third of the flu vaccine for children has already been shipped by Sanofi Pasteur. Call your doctor and your child's pediatrician to find out if they have the flu vaccine available.

Other flu resources include:

• Flu Clinic Locator
• Flu-O-Meter