Influenza Update 2011-2012

When are this year's flu clinics?

Flu Clinics have been completed for the 2011-2012 flu season.

We do still have a limited vaccine supply available for patients <3 years of age being seen in the office for either acute or health supervision exams.

INFLUENZA INFORMATION 2011-2012

Please read the following information carefully and save for future reference.

• What is influenza (the flu)? Influenza is a viral illness causing significant fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches, and lasting as long as a week. More serious complications are possible. It appears each winter, some years worse than others.


• What is the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine can prevent, or at least lessen, the severity of influenza. It contains strains of influenza which are most likely to occur this winter. It does not prevent against all types of flu or other illnesses that resemble flu. The vaccine can be given as a shot or a nasal spray; we should have ample supply of both. The spray can only be given to children over 2 years of age and those who do not have asthma or chronic illnesses. Side effects are infrequent, but may include soreness around the vaccine site (if a shot), fever, malaise, and muscle aches. We use thimerisol free vaccine for all children under 3 years.


• Who should get the flu vaccine? It is now recommended for all persons over 6 months of age. It is especially important for high risk individuals (those with asthma, reactive airway disease, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, diabetes, a chronic condition, or pregnant), as well as parents of babies less than 6 months old. One must be at least 6 months old in order to receive a flu vaccine.


• How many vaccines does my child need? Anyone less than 9 years old who has not received 2 flu vaccines in the past, needs 2 vaccines spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Everyone else needs only one.


• When can my child receive a vaccine? There are 2 ways your child can receive it. First, it can be given during a regularly scheduled office visit (i.e. health supervision exam or an acute visit), but not as a "vaccine only" visit. If sibs are present, we will also give them theirs, as long as you inform us ahead of time. Second, it can be given at one of our flu clinics.


• What do I need to know about these clinics? Patients must have an appointment. We will not accept walk-ins. Also, we will not perform any other services during these clinics. We ask that you come at your appointed time. These clinics will be crowded; we ask that you keep your children under control at all times. Since many children need 2 vaccines, please schedule accordingly and take into consideration any pre-scheduled office visits. Our clinics run very smoothly with minimal waiting.


• Can parents receive flu vaccine? Yes. We will give parents a flu vaccine, on a cash only basis, and only during flu clinics (not during regular office hours). Appointments are necessary.


• What is the cost? For parents or those who pay at the time of service during flu clinics we discount the price to $30 for the shot and $35 for the spray. Otherwise, we submit our patients' charge to their insurance, and we bill you for any copy or coinsurance that may be required.


• When can I make an appointment? Call for an appointment now. Check our emails for updates or changes. We will not be sending postcards nor will phone reminders be done.