Bayshore Pediatrics flu vaccine facts

Do you recommend children get the flu vaccine? Why?

Yes. Influenza is a respiratory illness that is spread through contact with someone that has influenza. It is estimated that influenza causes hospitalization of more than 20,000 children each year in the U.S. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from getting influenza. 

Who should get the flu vaccine?

We strongly recommend that children 6 months or older receive the flu vaccine every year. Family members of children younger than 6 months old should get the vaccine.

More information on children and the flu vaccine.

Who should not get the flu vaccine?

Anyone that is allergic to eggs should not get the flu vaccine. 

Who are the most at risk and need to receive the vaccine?

Everyone should get the vaccine but children that are ages 6 months to 4 years old or have the following health conditions are most at risk and need to receive the flu vaccine every year:

Why do we need to get vaccinated against the flu every year? 

Flu viruses change every year, which means a vaccine made last year may not protect against the new viruses this year. That is why the influenza vaccine is remade to include updated viruses every year.  

What kinds of flu vaccines are there?

There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The flu shot is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is given by a nose spray.

What is the difference in the two vaccines?

The flu shot is inactive which means that it contains killed flu virus. The flu shot is approved for people 6 months of age or older, including those with chronic medical conditions. FluMistÒ nasal-spray flu vaccine contains weakened live viruses. The nasal spray currently is approved for people ages 5 to 49 years old, excluding those with respiratory, pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions or are pregnant or have a history of Guillain Barre' Syndrome. The age recommendation may change to younger patients based on a pending FDA approval.

Do you recommend one type of flu vaccine versus another? Why? 

The most important thing is to get the flu vaccine every year. FluMistÒ nasal spray may offer an advantage of better protection when the flu strain in the community does not match what is in the vaccine.

When is the best time for my children to receive the flu vaccine?

The best time to get vaccinated is between August and November. Children ages 6 months to 9 years and getting a flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of vaccine the first year they are vaccinated.  New for 2010-2011: Children ages 6 months through 8 years of age who did not receive or are unsure if they received the H1N1 vaccine will need two doses of vaccine this year.

When are appointments available for flu vaccines? 

Appointments are available from September through April. 

How do I make an appointment for my children? 

Please call our office at (414) 228-0099 today to set up an appointment. You will be asked what type of flu vaccine you would like your child to receive.

Who is the vaccine appointment with?

The appointments are with the medical assistant only, not the physician. During vaccination time, we have a medical assistant dedicated to flu vaccinations.  Please note that the physicians are not able to be brought in for these appointments.  If you need to talk with a physician, you need to call prior to your appointment.

My child(ren) has an upcoming appointment for a well visit. Can my child get the flu vaccine at that time or do I need a separate appointment?

You do not need a separate appointment. Flu vaccines will be given at regular doctor appointments throughout the vaccine season.

What do I do if I have questions about the flu vaccine?

Please call our office to discuss any questions with your doctor.

What do I do if my child is sick and needs to see the doctor on the day of their flu appointment?

Please call our office prior to the appointment to change the appointment to a doctor appointment.

I'm a parent. Can I get the flu vaccine when my children get it? 

For parents that would like to receive the flu vaccine at our clinic, we will offer flu vaccine starting in November if supply is available.  We will not be billing insurance for parents' flu vaccines. Payment in full is required at the time of the vaccination for parent vaccinations. 

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