Free vaccination for children after a flu outbreak – Orebro Tribune

The spread of both influenza A and B is continuing across the country, especially among children. After a few children in Orebro County suffered serious complications associated with influenza B, free vaccination is now offered to children between the ages of 6 and 17.

The offer is valid for children living in Orebro County and for the next few weeks when the flu season continues. Orebro Lan district wrote this on its website on Tuesday.

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“Vaccination will not be able to stop the spread of infection, and it is also not about vaccinating children to protect others in their environment,” she says. Vaccination of healthy children is not a recommendation, says infectious disease doctor Gunnlaug Rasmussen, but a possibility that has existed even before.

More cases than expected

The vast majority of children infected with influenza B develop a mild illness. In individual cases, the flu can cause serious complications such as myocarditis or encephalitis.

“This year we’ve seen a few cases in children with serious complications from influenza B. It could be within the normal range, but it’s still more than expected,” says Gunlaug Rasmussen.

limited period

In consultation with the Public Health Authority and while the situation is being investigated, the vaccination is being offered free of charge to children of school age for a limited period. The official decision was made by the political leadership of the region.

– To make it easier for those who want to vaccinate their children against influenza, this is an offer we want to come up with, Günlaug Rasmussen concludes.

• County residents will be able to book a vaccination appointment via 1177.se in the My Vaccination Scheme.
• Appointments can be booked over the phone via the combined phone number for vaccination clinics 019-602 80 00. Hours of operation for phone reservations are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:15pm.
• It is not possible to order a vaccination by contacting an individual healthcare center.
• The influenza vaccine is approved for children from 6 months of age.
• Safety studies show that side effects can occur, but they are mild and transient.
• Children up to 8 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated against influenza need at least 2 doses 4 weeks apart for adequate protection.
• For children 9 years of age and adults, just one pre-season dose is sufficient.
• It takes up to two weeks to get protection from the flu vaccine. For those children who need two doses, full protection is achieved 2 weeks after the second dose.
• Protection from influenza vaccination is never 100 percent, but the disease is usually milder in those vaccinated.

High fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and cough affect almost everyone who gets the flu. In children, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common symptoms. The vast majority of children who get the flu recover without needing to seek care.

The following symptoms, in children and adults, may indicate a more serious illness – then call 112:

• rapid or labored breathing, shortness of breath;
• Blue lips or face
• Strong chest movements with each breath – takes the baby to breathe
• Source
• severe abdominal pain;
• Severe muscle pain – children who do not want to walk
• Dehydration – no urine for 8 hours, gray mucous membranes, crying without tears
• Poor communication when awake, confusion, or loss of consciousness
• cramps