FLU VACCINE CLINIC (updated 8/27/10, 3 PM): Our first two flu vaccine clinics will be held 5-7 PM on Wednesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 15. The clinics are for established patients only. Beginning August 31, you may pre-book appointments for these clinics by calling our office from 10 AM-4 PM, Tuesday-Friday. If all the appointments are not pre-booked, you may come to the office after 4 PM on the flu clinic dates and sign up for any times that may still be available. We will be giving flu vaccine at well visits as well so if your child has a well appointment coming up in the next 2-3 months, you can choose to get the vaccine done at that visit. We will have both injectable and nasal mist versions of the vaccine available. More clinics will be held in September, October, November, and possibly December depending upon supply of vaccine and demand for it. The website will have the most up-to-date announcements regarding appointment availability as well as vaccine supply.
Prior to coming to your appointment, please 1) download and fill out the Flu Clinic sheet (one per patient) AND read the Flu Vaccine Information Sheets so you are fully informed about the vaccines--these forms can be found on the PATIENT SERVICES tab on our website's homepage. 2) Bring the completed Flu Clinic sheet to the flu clinic at the time of your appointment. Doing these things ahead of time will save time and make your wait time less lengthy.
Seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for all people over age 6 months. It protects against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, which caused the 2009-10 pandemic. Please note that if a child less than 9 years old did not receive at least 1 dose of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine during the 2009-2010 flu season, it is recommended they receive 2 doses (at least 4 weeks apart) of the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine. Also, if a child is less than 9 years old and this is the first year to receive any type of flu vaccine, it is recommended they receive 2 doses (at least 4 weeks apart).
INSURANCE COVERAGE: Unless your child is on Medicaid insurance, the flu vaccine will not be covered by the state-funded vaccine program. Your private insurance company will be billed and any amount not covered by your insurance will be patient (parent) responsibility. If our office is not in network with your insurance company, you will be responsible to pay in full at the time of the visit for the flu vaccine. Feel free to contact your insurance company to verify coverage for the flu vaccine.
Please note that pharmacies offer the flu vaccine but only for those over 18 years old. The Wake County Health Department will not be having wide-scale flu clinics as they did during the 2009-2010 flu season.
