Flu shot information

We are giving flu shots( and mist) on an appointment basis on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am-11:30 and 2:00pm-4:00pm.
If your child is on the schedule to see one of the doctors they can also get a flu vaccine regardless of the day or time.

If those times are difficult for you, we will be doing a drop in Flu clinic on Saturday October 22nd from 9:00am until noon. This is for patients and parents only. No appointment is necessary.
Parent shots are $35 and we do not bill insurance, so you might be better off at Walgreens. If convenience and cute band-aids are a factor feel free to come here.
Babies under 3 get the pediatric dose of the preservative free vaccine.
Anyone over 2 also has the option of the flu mist ( which is also preservative free)
I have found that kids under 4 often don't cooperate with having something squirted in their nose and the shot is actually easier for them.
Flu mist is a live vaccine and is NOT suggested for patients who have asthma.
We do have limited amounts of the preservative free vaccine for higher risk patients and pregnant women.

Babies who are getting flu shots for the first time will need to get 2 shots in order to achieve immunity.
This is the same vaccine as last year. Last years did seem to be mostly effective. Hopefully they have matched the strain correctly again. The shots are thought to give protection for just about a year. This shot does protect against H1N1.
People with mild colds symptoms are fine to get the shot.
We have seen only mild side effects so far this year. Some folks after the flu mist have complained of several days of snuffles, head ache and dry throat.
Some folks after the shot complain of mild achiness ( especially at the shot site)
Mild egg allergy is NOT a reason to skip the vaccine. Folks with very severe egg allergies may choose to get it in the allergist's office.

If you have further flu shot questions feel free to comment and I will try to get them answered.
Nurse Judy