Inactivated Influenza  Vaccine

Persons who should receive inactivated influenza vaccine in 2009 -2010:

We administer flu shots by appointment through the fall and winter.

Please request your appointment online, by phone or while in the office at the scheduling desk.   

If your child will be seen during September, October or November for a well check-up, the vaccine can be given during that visit.  Vaccines may also be given during visits for minor illnesses.

FAQ's

Why should children receive the influenza vaccine?

    - Young children, like the elderly, have an increased risk of complications from influenza infection.  All children who will be between the ages of 6 months and  18 years during influenza season should be vaccinated,  even if they are healthy.  The influenza season includes the months of October through March.  

    - Influenza vaccine is especially recommend for all children with chronic illnesses.  (including:  asthma or other lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, anemia or other blood disorders, seizures and other neurologic diseases which may cause aspiration).  Also, children who are immune deficient due to illness or immune suppressive medications should be immunized against influenza.  These chronic illnesses can make influenza more severe and more likely to cause complications.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

Persons with allergy to eggs or a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome should speak with their doctor about the vaccine.

What is the cost of the vaccine?

The cost of the vaccine varies with the age of the child and whether the injectable or nasal vaccine is given.  Listed below are specific charges for vaccines including administration fees for 2007-2008. (Pricing for  the coming season has not yet been determined.)  Note that children less than 9 years old who have not received two doses of vaccine in the past will need two doses of vaccine this season.

    - injectable influenza vaccine for a child < 3 years     $44.00

    - injectable influenza vaccine for a child  3 years  or older    $53.00

    - Flumist intranasal influenza vaccine for a healthy child 2 years or older     $58.00

Who should get the live virus intranasal flu vaccine?

Children 2 years of age and older who are in good health may be able to receive the intranasal vaccine instead of a "flu shot".   See  Intranasal Flu Vaccine for more information.

When should the vaccine be given?

The best time to be immunized is September, October or November prior to the influenza season.   Persons not vaccinated during these months can still be immunized, even if flu has started to circulate.  Influenza virus changes each year so the vaccine is updated and should be repeated yearly.  Children under 9 years of age who have not had two previous immunizations will need to receive 2 doses of vaccine this year, a month apart, for best protection against influenza.

Will my child need a physical exam before receiving the vaccine?

No physical exam is required for children in good health or with a stable chronic illness.  Children who have a fever or a new illness should wait until they have recovered to receive the influenza vaccine.  Any child who has not had a well check-up within the past 12 months should make an appointment for an exam and the vaccine may be given at that appointment. 

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Side effects such as fever, soreness, redness or swelling in the vaccinated arm or leg, or an allergic reaction are possible.  Because the injectable vaccine is made from killed virus, it is not possible to "catch the flu" from the vaccine.  The intranasal influenza vaccine is made from a "cold adapted" strain of flu virus which can survive in the nose to induce immunity but dies at normal body temperature and thus cannot spread through the body to cause influenza.   

For complete information about the influenza vaccine see the  Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet (PDF) or the Centers for Disease Control Website.