Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the inluuenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Only one flu vaccine is being made this year and most people will only need to get vaccinated once. There is one exception to this: CDC recommends that children aged 6 months through 8 years of age who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine get two doses of vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

• Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting a flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses given at least 4 weeks apart. Children who only got 1 dose in their first year of vaccination should get 2 doses the following year.
• All children 6 months up through 8 years of age getting a flu vaccine for the first time need two doses, at least 4 weeks apart, the first year they are vaccinated in order to develop immune protection. This includes children who received one or two doses of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, but who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine.

Flu vaccinations are typically given from September through June at Wasatch County Health Department, or until the flu vaccine is gone. Call (435) 657-3307 for more information.