HOUSTON – (Oct. 6, 2009) –  Texas Children's Hospital, consistent with the CDC guidelines, encourages all parents to get their children vaccinated against the seasonal flu. If your pediatrician is unavailable, consider local grocery stores and pharmacies around the Houston area; many of them are administering the seasonal flu vaccination right now.

• The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1 ("swine") flu.
• The H1N1 flu vaccine is expected this month, but the delivery schedule has not yet been set.
• Remember, shipments will be limited and will arrive in stages, so please be patient.
• If you are parent of a Texas Children's Pediatric Associates patient – served in one of the 44 pediatric offices around greater Houston -- please visit www.texaschildrenspediatrics.org.
• There are other ways you can protect yourself and your family, like:
  • Washing hands frequently
  • Avoiding touching your nose, eyes or mouth
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Details, tips and updates will be available at www.flu.texaschildrens.org and www.texaschildrenspediatrics.org.

Spanish updates will be made at www.gripe.texaschildrens.org.

About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top ten best children’s hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 Billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a Neurological Research Institute, a comprehensive obstetrics facility focusing on high risk births, and a community hospital in suburban West Houston. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.