Flu Immunization
All children with disabilities should receive both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine; they are at increased risk of complications from seasonal and swine influenza.
The injectable killed vaccine is the vaccine they should receive, not the intranasal Flumist.
The dose for both vaccines for children from 6 months to < 3 years is 0.25 ml, for those > 3 years 0.5 ml.
Unless they have anaphylactic reaction to eggs they can receive the vaccine (if they eat routine products that have eggs like bread, cake, cookies - they can take the vaccine; there are truly very few who are anaphylactic to eggs).
Children less than 10 years will require 2 doses of the swine flu vaccine separated by at least 3 weeks.
Children less than 9 years will require 2 doses of the seasonal vaccine unless they have received flu vaccine in the prior year.
The injectable vaccine is a killed virus; you can't get the flu from the vaccine; the common side effects are tenderness and swelling at the injection site for a day or two, and possibly a low grade fever the day after the vaccine; these side effects are mild and trivial in comparison to the actual seasonal or swine influenza disease.
Children with Rett syndrome who become sick with fever and either cough, sore throat , or runny nose should seek medical attention for evaluation for influenza and if diagnosed with influenza should be treated with an anti-influenza medication.
Useful links
What to do if you get seasonal flu
Vaccination is Critical Step in Protecting Against Flu and Its Complications
Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines (Source: CDC)
Persons Who Should Not Be Vaccinated (Source: CDC)
