2009-2010 Seasonal Influenza Immunization
We will be holding three (3) flu shot parties this Fall/Winter. On Wednesdays 10/07/09**, 11/04/09and 12/02/09, we will be closing our office early to prepare for the parties. We will start each party at 4pm sharp and will close our doors by 7pm.
Patients with insurance coverage that covers influenza immunization (please check with your insurance company) or those paying without the need to submit the claim to the insurance company, may receive the following immunizations:
For 6+ months of age:
- injectable influenza immunization (TIV) for $25 or their regular co-payment (whichever is less) per dose given
For 2-49 years of age:
- intranasal influenza immunization (LAIV) for $35 or their regular co-payment (whichever is less) per dose given(availability of this product is limited)
We are sorry, but under NO circumstances will we send insurance claim forms to insurance companies for patients who are not already enrolled in our Electronic Medical System (EMR). If your insurance information or mailing address has changed, please notify our office well in advance of the flu shot party dates. This will facilitate a speedy process.
Payment forms accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks (which will be processed electronically at the time of your visit), and cash. As always, exact change is appreciated.
Influenza immunizations will be available to our established patients. Inactivated injectable influenza vaccine is FDA-approved for persons aged >6 months, including those with high-risk conditions, whereas live-attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist®) is FDA-approved for use only among healthy persons aged 2-49 years. All children aged >6 months through 8 years who have not been vaccinated previously at any time with either LAIV or TIV should receive 2 doses of age-appropriate vaccine in the same season (minimum spacing of 30 days for injectable vaccine and 6 weeks for intranasal vaccine), with a single dose during subsequent seasons.
Vaccination with influenza vaccine is recommended for the following persons who are at increased risk for severe complications from influenza, or at higher risk for influenza-associated clinic, emergency department, or hospital visits:
All children aged 6 months up to 18;
All persons aged >50 years;
Children and adolescents (aged 6 months--18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV);
Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
And residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
**We recommend that infants, preschoolers and those children under 9 years of age come to this first "party" if they have never had a flu shot previously or had only one immunization their first year receiving the immunization.