From the SMOS School Board Health Committee – Christina Meddows-Jackson, M.D., and Kate Mahoney, M.D.:
Have you had a flu shot?
Flu activity is increasing, and a few cases have been seen at St. Louis hospitals. This year, there is a new strain of flu (FluA H3N2 subclade K) that will cause many illnesses. We know from past seasons, even if the vaccine isn’t a perfect match for the strains circulating this season, the flu shot decreases severity of illness and chances of hospitalization no matter what the strain. This means an imperfect flu vaccine can still take the flu from Wild to Mild. Sadly, last year 270 children died from flu. 90% of them were not fully immunized. Surprisingly, about half of kids who die from flu are otherwise healthy. But the vaccine can help protect you, your children, those who can’t get vaccinated, and our SMOS community overall. Getting a flu vaccine now can still work! It’s effective within two weeks. Please consider getting vaccinated as flu infections are on the rise.
Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) | CDC
AAP Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-26 Season – HealthyChildren.org
Please reach out anytime with questions or concerns at schoolboard@stmargaretstl.org.
