October the Goldilocks period for flu shots, doctors say

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October is the perfect time to receive a flu vaccination, which some health care providers call the Goldilocks period. Not too early in the season, not too late, but just right.

Contact your primary clinic this week and schedule your appointment to get protected.

Did you know that our “flu season” actually began months ago on the other side of the planet? The new strain of influenza starts circulating in the southern hemisphere in June, eventually coming to Iowa.

Health officials here are anticipating a severe flu season because Australia is just coming out of a season with a record breaking numbers of cases of H3N2. The bad news is that H3N2 will be the dominant strain this year, and it tends to cause more severe illness.

The good news is that the option of a nasal spray for children is available. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended flu shots because the spray didn’t work well enough. Improvements have been made, so the CDC and pediatricians are encouraging parents to choose either the spray or a shot for their children this year.

To schedule a flu vaccination at the Dallas County Public Health Department, call 515-993-3750. You can find more information about free vaccinations for children under age 18 at the Dallas County Public Health Department website.

Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.

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