Information regarding flu vaccine
We strongly encourage all of our patients ages 6 months and older to be immunized each year against seasonal influenza (“flu”). The best time to be immunized is in the fall to help protect your child throughout the entire flu season. Flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching the flu and experiencing severe complications from the disease.
For patients 6 months through 8 years of age who have never had at least 2 doses in the past, it is recommended to get 2 doses spaced 1 month apart to get the full benefit from the vaccine. Patients who previously had at least two doses of vaccine only require one dose per year. Flu shots are available for all ages 6 months and older. FluMist (nasal spray vaccine) may be an option for some patients ages 2 years and older. Patients who have egg allergy are still able to get flu vaccine safely.
Due to limits in staffing, we are not able to provide as frequent flu vaccine clinics as in years past. To be most efficient in helping to protect your kids from the flu, our suggestions are as follows:
- Use local pharmacies: Children ages 3 years and older are able to get flu vaccine from local pharmacies. Please consider doing so this season as this may provide greater convenience and flexibility in scheduling for you.
- Direct scheduling on gateway for flu clinic: For patients on gateway, you are able to directly “self-schedule” in gateway by choosing a timeslot and date in our flu clinic. This method is faster and more convenient for you, and reduces phone call volume for our front desk staff.
- In office appointments: At any in-office appointment you may request the flu vaccine (provided it is medically appropriate). Please notify the front desk when checking-in if interested.
- Accompanying siblings: If you would like a sibling to receive flu vaccine when accompanying a patient during a visit, please call ahead of the appointment to request it and notify us at check-in. This allows us to prepare everything needed in advance.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our office. For more information on flu vaccine for children, you may follow this link below:
www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm
Thank you and stay healthy!
Middleboro Pediatrics
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