Ohio Department of Health reminds Ohioans kids younger than 10 need two swine-flu shots

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Health reminds parents and health care providers that children younger than 10 should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in order to achieve optimal protection against pandemic flu.

While Ohioans 10 and older need only one dose to be protected, research has shown that two doses of vaccine are required to provide immunity for children 6 months to 9 years.

Children are particularly at risk for H1N1 because of limited previous exposure to the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the two doses of H1N1 vaccine be separated by 28 days to be effective. Caregivers of children younger than 10 are encouraged to keep the dates between doses in mind in order to provide their loved ones with full protection.