Summer is a good time to make sure your teenagers or preteens get their four recommended vaccinations

Vaccines aren't just for babies. Preteens and teens also fall into an age group that has both required immunizations for school and recommended vaccines that can save their lives.

Summer is a great time to take care of getting caught up on these vaccinations, because many pre-teens and teens see their primary-care provider anyway for sport and camp physicals. Taking care of them in the summer also helps to miss the back-to-school rush that typically happens as August approaches.

Four vaccines are recommended for preteens and teens, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for teens, but three less familiar vaccines and boosters are also recommended. Also, it is recommended that during a vaccination visit, you make sure your child is up to date on all of the vaccinations they should have received when they were younger.

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The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other medical societies recommend these vaccines:

Meningococcal vaccine: This vaccine protects against some of the bacteria that causes meningitis and sepsis, which are very serious and sometimes fatal. It is recommended at 11 or 12 years old and a booster shot is recommended at age 16. Even if your child got the meningococcal vaccine at 12, 14 or 15, the booster is recommended. Older teens who haven't gotten this vaccine should get one as soon as possible.

HPV vaccine: This vaccine protects against the many cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, including cervical cancer in girls, and anal cancer and genital warts in both girls and boys. HPV vaccines are given in a three-dose series that should be started and finished when the boy or girl is 11 and 12. Pre-teens and teens who have not gotten this vaccine series should ask their primary care provider about getting them.

TDAP vaccine: This vaccine protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, which is commonly called whooping cough. Preteens should get Tdap at 11 or 12. If your teenager didn't get a TDAP shot as a preteen, he or she should get it as soon as possible. This vaccine takes the place of what used to be called the tetanus booster.

Flu vaccine: Preteens and teens should get the flu vaccine every year as soon as it's available, usually in the fall. It is especially important for preteens and teens with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes to get the flu shot.

"The vaccines for preteens are very safe," says the CDC. Side effects for these vaccines are usually mild and include redness and soreness at the site of the injection, or fainting from the medical procedure.

"Most side effects from vaccines are very minor, especially compared with the serious diseases that these vaccines prevent," says the CDC.

If you don't have insurance or if your plan does not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children Program provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger, who are not insured or are under-insured. Vaccinations are covered on all plans purchased through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Kentucky has recorded 26 flu-related deaths, mostly seniors, and 64 outbreaks at long-term-care facilities; get vaccinated!

Kentucky has reported 26 influenza-related deaths and 64 flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities as of Jan. 8 after five consecutive weeks of widespread flu activity, and is only halfway through the flu season, which runs from October through May, a top state health official said Thursday, Jan. 8.

And with the flu season in full swing and not expected to improve any time soon, Deputy Health Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh said it's not too late to get a flu shot and "Practically everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine." He added, "Even though this year's flu vaccine is not as well matched to covering the circulating strains as we would like to see, it is still the best way to prevent the flu."

"The types of people that are likely to experience severe illness are the young, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illness," Humbaugh said. "That is why we especially want those folks to receive a flu vaccine each year."

Last flu season, there were approximately 50 flu-related deaths. "All areas of the state have been affected by flu deaths and have been affected by the circulating flu this year," Humbaugh said.

He noted that 19 of the 26 reported deaths were among people 65 and older. He encouraged seniors to get vaccinated because they have the highest risk of complications from the flu and are most likely to be hospitalized because of it. Typically,70 percent of seniors are vaccinated. Among the other reported deaths, two were children and five were aged 18 to 64.

Humbaugh also suggested that "the old advice that your mother gave you still applies" to stay healthy: Wash your hands well and often, don't touch your mouth and nose unnecessarily, and avoid large crowds and contact with sick people. He reminded those who are sick to stay home from work or school and to sneeze into their elbow to avoid spreading the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging doctors to prescribe more antiviral medication to help patients heal faster, saying in a news release, "Evidence from the current and previous influenza seasons suggests that they are severely underutilized."

Humbaugh said, "People who are sick with the flu can potentially benefit from an anti-viral medication, such as Tamiflu or Rolenza." He noted that the drugs must be prescribed by a health provider and work best if taken during within the first two days of illness. No widespread shortages of these antiviral medications have been reported.

Long-term care facilities across the state have reported 64 flu outbreaks, meaning they have one or more cases of flu in their facility, this flu season. Facilities are working with the state to determine how to control outbreaks, Humbaugh said. He encouraged those with the flu to stay away from these facilities and for the public to respect the rules put in place at these facilities to protect this most vulnerable population from the flu.

Flu makes UK HealthCare tighten visitation rules

UK HealthCare has temporarily changed its visitation policy to help protect its patients and health care workers during the flu season, the University of Kentucky said in a news release. The measures include:

• No visitors under the age of 12
• No visitors with any symptoms of flu-like illness
• Only two visitors will be permitted in a patient’s room at one time
• Visitors may be issued masks or other protective clothing for use when visiting
• Additional restrictions may be in place in special care units such as women's and children’s units, critical care and oncology units.
• Compassionate visitation exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

These measures are for all UK HealthCare inpatient units, which include UK Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital and Eastern State Hospital.

Kentucky is among 29 states and territories reporting widespread flu, which is the highest level and means at least half the regions in the state have reported confirmed cases of the flu. Last year at this time four states had reported widespread flu, says the release.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that some of the nation's circulating flu viruses have not been covered by this years vaccine, it is still recommended that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot.

"A flu vaccine is still the first and best way to prevent influenza," Kim Blanton, enterprise director for infection prevention and control at UK HealthCare, said in the release.

Flu antiviral drugs are available and work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high risk health condition or is very sick from the flu, says the release.

It is also important to wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick and stay home if you are sick to help prevent it from spreading.

Flu activity becomes widespread, closing schools

Kentucky's flu activity level has become widespread, which means at least half the regions of the state have reported confirmed cases of influenza.

Schools are a testimony to this increase in activity, as they have been swamped with absences related to illness, many reporting flu or flu-like symptoms. Several of them have closed their doors Friday hopes for recovery over the weekend.

One of the first big episodes came several weeks ago when Lexington's Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Band cancelled its appearance in the Lexington Christmas Parade because of widespread illness. They had just returned from marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Kathy Jaeger, president of the band boosters, told WKYT-TV that nearly 100 band members and two band directors were sick with strep throat and flu-like symptoms.

WKYT reported that up to 20 percent of students were out sick last week at some Central Kentucky schools. Paris Elementary reported 20 percent of its students out, most with flu-like symptoms.

Toliver Elementary in Danville cancelled classes for Friday, Dec. 12 because of the number of sick students and teachers, sending a note home to students that said: "The staff has worked overtime to keep the doors open, wiping noses, taking temperatures, and teaching. Worn down by the effort and in such close contact with students, significant numbers of staff are now ill as well. The number surmounts resources available."

Harrison County Schools also cancelled classes Friday because of the rising number of reported student illnesses, Donald Richie reported for The Cynthiana Democrat.

Greg Hollon, Clark County director of pupil personnel student support services, told WKYT that parents should keep their kids at home if they are sick.

"If your child is exhibiting symptoms, they're nauseous, they're coughing, they have a high fever, any of those symptoms, symptoms that would warrant taking them to the doctor. We always would encourage parents to exercise good judgment," he said.

The flu is highly contagious and because it is spread from person to person, it is easily spread in school environments. And this year a strain of the flu  (H1N1) that is especially hard on children and young adults is circulating, according to a state press release.

“In this flu season so far, H1N1 has continued to circulate and there have been reports nationally of severe illness in young and middle-aged adults,” Health Commissioner Stephanie Mayfield said. “We strongly recommend vaccination of children, teenager and young to middle-aged adults, even if they are healthy, to prevent the spread of and complications from the flu this year. All forms of flu vaccine available in Kentucky this year provide protection against the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.”

The most common symptoms of the flu are high fever, chills and shakes, extreme tiredness, headache and body aches, sore throat, headaches, a dry hacking cough, and vomiting and belly pain.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the best way to prevent the flu is to get a vaccine, and it recommends a vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

People who are especially encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences, include:

 • Children age 6 months to 19 years;
 • Pregnant women;
 • Young and middle-aged adults for the 2013-2014 influenza season;
 • People 50 years old or older;
 • People of any age with chronic health problems;
 • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
 • Health care workers;
 • Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and
 • Out-of-home caregivers of, or people who live with, children less than 6 months old.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, this week is an excellent time to get it, with the holidays coming up

State health officials are encouraging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 7-13.

"Getting a flu vaccine is an early holiday gift you can give to yourself and your family,” said Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “As the holidays approach, people will be traveling, and families will gather together, increasing the potential for exposure to the flu. We are strongly urging anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly those at high risk for complications related to the flu, to check with local health departments or other providers.”

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a reminder to those people who have not yet received a flu vaccine that the time to get vaccinated continues into winter – through January or later, when flu season typically peaks. Because it takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies against the flu following vaccination, Kentuckians who have not had a chance to be vaccinated should seek out the opportunity during this season.

Throughout the week, health departments and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will highlight the importance of vaccinations for those people at high risk, their close contacts and all those who want to be protected against the flu. In addition, good health habits such as washing hands often with soap and warm water; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and staying at home from work or school when sick will also be emphasized.

Kentucky’s flu activity level has recently increased to regional, which indicates an upturn in influenza-like illness or outbreaks of flu in some regions of the state.

The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccination. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccine for all individuals 6 months of age and older. People who should especially receive the flu vaccine because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences include:

• Children ages 6 months through 18 years;
• Pregnant women;
• People 50 years old or older;
• People of any age with chronic health problems;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;

• Health care workers;                               
• Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu; and
• Out-of-home caregivers of or people who live with children less than 6 months old.

Kentuckians should receive a new flu vaccination each season for optimal protection. Healthy, non-pregnant people ages 2 through 49 can be vaccinated with either the flu shot or the nasal vaccine spray. Children younger than 9 years old who did not receive a previous seasonal flu vaccination should receive a second dose at least four weeks after their first vaccination.

High-dose flu vaccine is available for persons aged 65 years and older this year.

The CDC says some of the nation’s circulating flu viruses may not be covered well by this year’s vaccine.  That is not unusual. "Despite the possibility of a poor vaccine match for one of the circulating strains, vaccination still provides the best protection against influenza," a state news release said. "The vaccine appears to be a good match for many of the strains which are being transmitted, and because of antibody cross-protection, should help to reduce hospitalizations and deaths, even in persons who may contract the mismatched strain of influenza."

In addition to flu vaccine, the health department strongly encourages all adults 65 years and older and others in high risk groups to ask their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccines. These vaccines can help prevent a type of pneumonia that is one of the flu’s most serious and potentially deadly complications. The CDC now recommends that adults 65 years or older receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar-13) in addition to the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, PneumoVax-23). Getting both vaccines offers the best protection against pneumococcal disease. Between 3,000 and 49,000 deaths are attributed to flu and pneumonia nationally each year, with more than 90 percent of those deaths occurring in people age 65 and older.

Five myths about flu shots, explored and debunked

Myths about the influenza vaccine circulate every year and make it difficult for some to decide whether to get the shot, Tom Watkins reports for CNN.

This prompted him to look at five of the most common myths and presents the "truth based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Perhaps the most common myth is that the flu shot can give you the flu. The CDC says the virus in flu shots is dead and cannot cause infection. So why do some people feel bad after a flu shot? The CDC says that this is often caused by soreness at the injection site, which is caused by the immune system working to create antibodies to the killed viruses in the vaccine. Or, you could be sick with another seasonal illness that acts like the flu or have a flu virus that is not in the vaccine. Finally, especially among the elderly and people with weak immune systems, although the CDC says it still can prevent complications in this high-risk group. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says "symptoms, in rare instances, include fever, muscle pain, and discomfort or weakness, which also typically go away after a day or two," Watkins reports.

Another myth is that it is better to get the vaccine late in the season so it will last longer. The CDC says that this is not true, Watkins reports: "The shot lasts an entire flu season, except for some children who may need two doses."

The third myth is that the flu shot might adversely affect pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says "The flu vaccine is an essential element of prenatal care," and recommends a flu shot for all pregnant women, who are at higher risk for flu complications. Pregnant women should only get a flu shot, and not the nasal vaccine.

The fourth myth is the belief that "I've had the flu before and it was no big deal, so bring it on." This is a fallacy, Watkins reports, because seasonal flu "exacts a bigger toll in some years than in others because the viruses that circulate in one may differ than those that circulate in another" and people's response to viral infections differ from year to year.

The final myth is that the flu shot doesn't work. Watkins writes that while "it doesn't work all the time, it does offer some level of protection." According to the CDC, one study in 2010-2011 showed 60 percent efficacy for all age groups, and studies from earlier years found protection rates of up to 90 percent.

The CDC recommends that all people older than 6 months get a flu vaccine. They also recommend that you get it early because it takes two weeks from the time of the injection for the flu shot to work.

Expectant mothers need to get a flu shot

Expectant mothers need to get a flu shot as soon as it is available in their area, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Only the flu shot, not the nasal-spray vaccine, is recommended for pregnant women because it is made with the inactivated (killed) virus. Pregnant women should not receive the spray vaccine, which is made with live attenuated (weakened) virus, BabyCenter, an online parenting and pregnancy resource, writes.

The changes to a pregnant woman's immune system, heart and lung function during pregnancy can make them even more sensitive to the flu, the CDC says.

Pregnant women have a harder time fighting off infections and are more likely to develop serious complications. They "are at a higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women," the CDC says. A severe illness in a pregnant mother can cause premature labor and delivery of the fetus and fever in early pregnancy can lead to birth defects.

Getting a flu shot during your pregnancy will also offer some protection to your baby up to six months after he or she is born, when the baby can be vaccinated. Breastfeeding your baby will also offer some protection from the flu. Studies show that babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often than babies who are not breastfed.

If you did not get a flu shot during pregnancy, the CDC recommends that you get one after you deliver. After the baby is born you can get the either the flu shot or the nasal spray, even if you are breastfeeding. The CDC also recommends that anyone who comes in contact with your baby get a flu shot.

The CDC says pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care proider immediately, but should seek emergency care if they are experiencing any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• High fever
• Decreased or no movement by your baby

Doctors' offices full; many patients worry their common cold is one of the serious illnesses recently reported in the news

Doctor's offices are busier than usual this time of year not only because it's cold and flu season, but also because of an increased worry patients have that they might have one of the  more serious illnesses reported in the news like enterovirus D68 or Ebola, Elizabeth Renter reports for Fox News.

Dr. Sameer Maroof, a family physician at Doctors Express in Cary, N.C., told Renter that his office "had seen increase in the number of patients battling cold-like symptoms," and that some were"concerned that it could be a serious illness, such as the respiratory condition enterovirus D68."

So, what are the chances they have a serious illness? Most Americans get the common cold two or three times a year, Renter reports. While enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus with symptoms that range from mild to severe, has infected a little over 1,000 people since mid-August, with the number of infections expected to decline throughout the fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The problem is that these illnesses are closely related and have similar symptoms: runny nose, body aches, cough and respiratory problems. The flu also shares these symptoms, but add chills, fever and sore throat, Renter writes.

As for the flu, 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the seasonal flu each year, according to the CDC, but unlike the cold and enterovirus D68, the flu can be avoided because there is a flu vaccination available.

And the likelihood that you have Ebola is virtually nonexistent. The CDC has confirmed three cases of Ebola in the U.S. and you must have direct contact with the body fluid of someone with Ebola to contract it. The virus can cause diarrhea, vomiting, heavy perspiration and unexplained bruising.

So, if you have the symptoms of the common cold, it is likely you have the common cold, Renter writes. She said it's time to see the doctor if:
1. You are wheezing or having difficulty breathing.
2. You are part of an at-risk population like smokers or those with compromised immune systems.
3. You have persistent vomiting.
4. You have children with severe allergies or asthma.
5. You have symptoms lasting more than seven days.

"If patients are unsure whether their illness warrants a doctor’s visit, they should err on the side of caution," Maroof told Renter.

First flu case reported in Kentucky; vaccination recommended for everyone over 6 months old, especially some groups

Kentucky's first positive lab-confirmed case of the flu has been reported in Jefferson County this week, according to the state Department for Public Health.

The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccine, and it's best to get vaccinated early because the vaccine takes about two weeks to work, the department says. Still, you can get a flu vaccine at any time during the flu season.

"Getting the flu can be debilitating and sometimes life-threatening, and vaccination is the best tool we have to prevent illness. It’s also extremely important to take simple preventive steps to avoid it," Health Commissioner Stephanie Mayfield said in a press release. “You should also follow the advice your mother gave you to prevent flu and other illnesses that tend to circulate at this time of year – wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home when you’re sick.”

While the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over six months old get a flu shot, they especially recommend that these types of people get one because they may be at higher risk:

• Children
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years old or older
• People of any age with chronic health problems
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Health-care workers
• Caregivers of or people who live with a person at high risk for flu complications
• Caregivers of or people who live with children less than six months old

You should get a flu vaccination, which is available in either a shot form or a nasal vaccine spray, each season for "optimal protection," says the release.  The spray is recommended for "healthy, non-pregnant people aged 2 through 49," and is the best choice for children 2 to 8, but parents should get the shot for their child if the spray is not available.

The CDC also recommends that children under 9 who did not get a flu shot during the previous season get a second dose four or more weeks after their first vaccination.

A high-dose flu vaccine, designed to provide better protection against the flu, is available this year for those 65 and older, says the release. This age group should also ask their health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccines, which helps to prevent a type of pneumonia, one of the flu's most serious and potentially deadly complications.

Flu and resulting pneumonia cause between 20,000 and 40,000 deaths nationally each year, with more than 90 percent of those deaths occurring in people age 65 and older, the release says. For more information on the flu or the availability of flu vaccine, contact your local health department or visit http://healthalerts.ky.gov.