SEASONAL FLU VACCINE CLINIC INFO AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEASONAL AND H1N1 VACCINES

WHEN:  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD  6-8 PM

            THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST   6-8 PM  FLUMIST ONLY! 

            SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD    8-11 AM  CANCELED

            WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH   6-8 PM  CANCELED

            SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST   8-11 AM  CONFIRMED!!!

            WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH   6-8 PM  TENTATIVE

WHO SHOULD GET THE SEASONAL VACCINE?  Everyone over 6 months of age.

WHO SHOULD GET THE H1N1 VACCINE?  Everyone between 6 months and 24 years of age and any adults living with infants under 6 months of age in the household.  All adults with chronic medical problems and pregnant or lactating women should also get the vaccine.

WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE EITHER VACCINE?  Anyone with significant egg allergy should discuss the vaccine options with their allergist.  

DO YOU HAVE BOTH VACCINES AVAILABLE AT THESE FLU CLINICS?  No.  We only have the seasonal vaccine at this time and do not yet know how the H1N1 vaccine will be distributed.  If private offices are approved to receive vaccine, it will not be available until early November and we will run additional flu clinics at that time.  If we do not ultimately receive the H1N1 vaccine from the State Health Department we will post how and where to get the vaccine on this site.  

IS THE SHOT GIVEN PRESERVATIVE FREE FOR ALL AGES?  In my office, yes.  Regardless of age, the only vaccine I carry is preservative free.

WHO CAN GET THE FLUMIST (NASAL SPRAY INFLUENZA VACCINE)?  Any child 2 and over who has no history of wheezing or asthma in the past.

WILL ADULTS BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THEIR VACCINE AT BIRMINGHAM PEDIATRICS?  Not likely.  Although I ordered a lot of vaccine, I need to offer it to the kids first.  If I have ample vaccine supply still at the last two flu clinics I may be able to offer the vaccine to adults.  

WHO NEEDS TWO DOSES OF THE VACCINE?  All children 6 months - 9 years of age who have never before received an influenza vaccine will need two doses, 4 weeks apart.

IF MY CHILD NEEDS TWO VACCINES WILL YOU HOLD THE SECOND DOSE FOR HIM/HER?  We have estimated how many people will want/need flu protection this year and ordered enough vaccine to provide two doses for those that need it but if demand is significantly larger than expected, we may run out of vaccine before the second dose is due.  We will attempt to order more vaccine if needed but in past years, getting more vaccine has been very difficult.  We would rather give everyone one vaccine than put aside second doses in individual children's names. 

CAN I HAVE MY CHILD'S VACCINE PUT ASIDE FOR HIM/HER BY CALLING AHEAD?  Not this year.  Because we have ample time set aside for flu clinics, we expect the families wanting their children to be vaccinated to come in during these times.  Flumist will be given on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be set aside for individual children.

CAN I COME IN AT OTHER TIMES AND GET THE FLU VACCINE?  Yes but understand if you choose to schedule an appointment for the flu vaccine instead of coming to one of the flu clinics you will be charged an office visit charge and any co-pays that apply.

WILL YOU BILL MY INSURANCE FOR THE VACCINE?  Yes but if your insurance doesn't cover the vaccine or if you have co-pays or deductibles or rejects the claim, you will be billed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO THE HEALTH + WELLNESS PAGE AND CLICK ON 'INFLUENZA' ON THE TOPIC LIST