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Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccine—2010

Is there going to be another H1N1 vaccine this year?

There is only one vaccine this year.  The vaccine INCLUDES protection from the H1N1 virus, as well as the common seasonal influenza A and influenza B viruses. 

How many flu vaccines will my child need?

If your child is 9 years old or older, he/she will only need one dose of vaccine.  For children who are under age 9, there may be two vaccines required, separated by at least four weeks.  If your child has never received a seasonal vaccine before, she/he will need two vaccines this year.  If he/she did not receive ANY H1N1 vaccine last year, then two vaccines will be needed as indicated above.  Basically, if your child has received at least TWO SEASONAL flu vaccines, AND AT LEAST ONE H1N1 vaccine, then he/she will only need ONE vaccine this year. 

Should MY child get a flu vaccine?

Yes. The CDC has recommended that ALL CHILDREN six months and older receive an influenza vaccine.  This is especially important for babies, children with asthma, or children with other health problems, as they can get more severe disease.  It also is recommended if your child is healthy, or has never caught the flu before as it can strike at any time. 

Is it too early to get the flu vaccine?

No. We have usually told patients to wait until the fall to get a flu vaccine, because of worries that the immunity would wear off in the spring.  From recent research, it looks like the immunities last longer than we first thought.  The flu shot offers good protection for a year, and the intranasal vaccine offers good protection for OVER a year.  The CDC now recommends for everyone over six months old to get a flu vaccine as soon as they are available. 

What is the difference between the FluMist and the Flu Shot?

The FluMist vaccine is a vaccine that is given by squirting it up the nostrils.  This is called an intranasal (in the nose) vaccine.  This vaccine contains live virus particles, but in a much weaker form.  This vaccine can cause some cold-like symptoms a few days after it is given, but is very safe and effective. This vaccine can only be given to otherwise healthy people.  The common flu "shot" is an injected vaccine.  It does not contain live virus particles.  It CANNOT give you the "flu."  It can be given to anyone, unless they have had severe reactions to flu vaccines in the past, or are allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine.  There have been some studies that have shown the FluMist is more effective than the flu shot in children, but the flu shot also gives very good protection against the flu viruses.

Can the flu vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Yes.  Both the FluMist and the flu shot CAN be given with all of your child's required vaccines.  The only restriction is that if live-virus vaccines (MMR, Varivax, FluMist, Rotavirus) are not given at the same time, then they must be given at least 30 days apart from one another. 

Why does your office staff ask about my insurance when I call to find out if you have the vaccine?

This is due to the complicated way in which we get our flu vaccines.  We get a supply from the state health department.  This supply we can ONLY use for patients with state-supported insurances (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource, etc.).  We are not allowed to use it for patients who get insurance through work (UHC, Anthem, Aetna, etc.).  For patients who have those "commercial" insurance plans, we have to buy the vaccine directly from the makers of the vaccine.  We cannot use this supply for state-funded insurance plans, because then we may not get all the vaccine we need from the state. Sometimes these shipments come in at different times.  This is always frustrating for everyone, as we may not have the right supply for your child when you come in to the office.  We do our best to make sure everyone gets the vaccine, but we are at the mercy of the state and the companies as to when we get the products.  We ask you about your insurance to make sure you are not given wrong information about the vaccine availability when you come in to the office. 

Other than calling, is there a way to find out if you have the flu vaccine available?

Once we have vaccines for everyone, regardless of insurance, we will announce this on our website, and on our Facebook and Twitter updates.  Please continue to check our website and our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news. 

Once you have all of your shipments, how can my child get her/his vaccine?

The vaccines can be given during a regular visit.  The FluMist cannot be given if your child has a cold, breathing problems, or a fever.  You can come in during our "over-the-board" hours (M-F 9-11 and 2:30-4:30, Sat. 9-11) to get a flu vaccine, OR you can schedule a vaccine visit at one of our flu vaccine clinics.  Watch our website and our Facebook/Twitter updates to find out more about these clinics.

 

To find out more about influenza and the influenza vaccine, visit the CDC's official website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flubasics.htm

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