Flu Vaccine Update

Updated 3/21/13

The 2012-2013 flu vaccine season is completely wrapped up.  We are anticipating our first shipment of the 2013-2014 Flumist arriving Mid-August followed by shipments of injectable flu vaccine in September. If you are in the office for a Well Child Checkup in these months, please check with us to see if our shipments have arrived. We will be having weekly clinics during the season and a Saturday clinic in October. Please continue to watch for updates regarding the availability of flu products. Start the 2013-2014 flu season off right, get vaccinated early.  

FluMist

We are currently out of FluMist for the 2012-2013 season.  

Injectable Flu

We are currently out of all injectable flu products for the 2012-2013 season.    

Frequently Asked Flu Questions

Will my child be protected from H1N1 with this year's seasonal Flu vaccine?
Yes, both Flu vaccine and FluMist will protect against H1N1 the virus.

Who should receive the Flu vaccine?
Annual vaccination of all children aged 6 months through 18 years is recommended. NOTE: Flu vaccine is contraindicated in children with an allergy to eggs, children with a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome and children who have had a severe reaction after a dose of flu vaccine in the past.

Can children under 6 months of age receive a flu shot?
No, they are unable to receive the vaccine until they are 6 months of age.

I would like preservative free vaccine for my child, is this possible?
Yes, all of our injectable flu vaccine is preservative free this year.

Can my child get the flu shot at their check up already scheduled for this fall?
Yes, PENDING AVAILABILITY your child will be able to get their Flu shot at their check up this fall. We will administer the flu vaccine until we are out of supply.

Who can receive the Flu Mist?
Flu Mist, which is the intranasal flu vaccine, will again be offered in our office this season. Flu Mist can be given to healthy children 2 years of age or older.

• Flu Mist should not be administered to patients with a history of asthma, active wheezing, or children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing. 
• Flu Mist is contraindicated in children with allergy to eggs, children receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy, children with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome and in children with known or suspected immune deficiency.  

Does my child need a second dose of Flu vaccine?
For children less than 9 years of age;

• if your child received two or more doses of flu vaccine since July 1, 2010, then they will need only one dose of the 2012-2013 vaccine
• if your child has not received two doses since July 1, 2010, then your child should receive two doses of the 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccine separated by 28 or more days

Do I need to bring anything with me to the Flu clinic besides my child?
Yes, there are vaccine information sheets as well as a check list for Flu Mist and Flu vaccine on our home page. Look for the information under Flu vaccine information. Please print the checklist for Flu vaccine or for Flu Mist, complete one for each child receiving the vaccine and bring it with you to your appointment. Coming with these checklists completed to the clinic will expedite the process and give us information about your child that we need to know prior to administering the vaccine.

Will my insurance pay for the Flu vaccine?
Every insurance policy varies. Please check your benefits or contact your insurance company prior to the service to determine if Flu shots are a covered benefit. Some insurance companies cover the Flu vaccine but not the Flu Mist, when you speak to your insurance company please be specific about which one your child will be receiving. If you have any questions about your insurance or the cost of the vaccine, feel free to call our patient account department at 317-621-9183, or you can e-mail your questions. This is for account questions only, no medical advice will be given by e-mail.