Seasonal Vaccine
We would like to inform our patents that the seasonal influenza vaccination is now underway. This vaccine will protect against the seasonal flu that occurs in the winter months and not against the H1N1. For more information on the H1N1 vaccine please read the H1N1 update letter and visit the links offered at the end of the update.
SEASONAL FLU SHOT CANDIDATES:
- Children 6 months to 18 years of age
- Patients with heart disease
- Patients with lung disease
- Patients with diabetes
- Patients with asthma
- Patients on aspirin therapy
- Household contacts of high risk children
- Sibling and household contacts of a newborn
Dosages:
- 0.25 ml for children under 3 years of age
- 0.5 ml for patients over 3 years old
If you child is getting the flu shot for the first time and he or she is under 9 years of age she will need two doses given four weeks apart.
If your child has had a well exam done within the last year you can schedule a visit with only the nurse in order to receive the vaccine. If not you will need to schedule a well exam first.
If your child has a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, or lung disease we will need to do a quick follow up visit for that illness before giving the flu shot. If your child though has had a follow up within 3 months, and she is doing well, you can schedule that visit with just the nurse.
Please make sure that when you make a nurse visit appointment that your child is not sick because then he will not be able to receive the shot. Nurse visits are not included in the doctor's schedules and if you need your child to be seen you will have to wait for the first available opening for the doctor.
The seasonal influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as the regular immunizations. It is contraindicated for patients with severe egg allergy or previous allergic reaction to components of the vaccine. Please take a minute to read the Vaccine Information Sheet on the seasonal influenza vaccine. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask one of our staff members or physicians.
