Doctors Recommend 2 Doses Of H1N1 Vaccine For Children Under 10

by ABC-7 Reporter Marissa Monroy

EL PASO, Texas — While children can get by with a single dose of the H1N1 vaccine, officials with the Centers for Disease Control, El Paso’s public health department and even local pediatricians are recommending a second dose.

“This is the first time that I hear that there are actually two doses that are needed fro the H1N1,” Miguel Molinar said.

Health officials all over the country are recommending two shots for children younger than 10. But with shortages at city clinics and doctor’s offices nationwide, many parents are concerned about the recommendation.

“It was hard to get this one so how is it going to be for the second one,” Yvette Lindmann said. “My concern now is to find out when I can set up my next appointment.”

Her children’s pediatrician, Dr. Jagdish Patel, ordered 2,000 vaccinations, but so far, he said he has only received 200. Patel’s situation mirrors the shortage city clinics are experiencing in El Paso. City health director, Michael Hill, said parents should not worry if more vaccines do not arrive before the 21-day waiting period recommended between the two doses.

“If you get the vaccine after two months, it’s still considered a second dosage,” Patel said. “It still gets a good immune response.”

Health officials say the double dose ramps up protection, especially among a group that might not seek precautions on their own.

“They’re in a school setting. it’s crowded,” Lindmann said. “Kids are not going to wash their hands.”

Even without the second dose, Patel said one dose will still be beneficial in the fight against the flu.

“I encourage parents to get at least one shot. Get it! and then worry about the second immunization,” Patel said. “Even one immunization will give you good protection.”