Flu Update

Swine flu (novel H1N1 influenza) has arrived in Cumberland County, and is more than 97% of the influenza right now in Tennessee. To see a map of where H1N1 is widespread right now, click here.

Swine Flu Vaccine: As of November 16, 2009, we have:

• Lots of vaccine for healthy kids ages 2 and up in the nasal spray form (mist)
• Lots of flu shots for babies 6-35 months
• Some shots for children over 4 years

Seasonal Flu Vaccine: As of November 16, 2009, we have:

• Lots of seasonal influenza vaccine for healthy kids ages 2 and up in the nasal spray form (Flumist)
• Lots of flu shots for babies 6-35 months
• A limited number of flu shots for children over 3 years

We recommend that all kids ages 6 months and up get both vaccinations when possible.

Don't let common misconceptions about the swine flu vaccine dissuade you.

Here's a bulletin from the pediatric infectious disease department at East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, and another one from LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis.