Note: Hirsch Pediatrics has concluded its 2009 - 2010 flu vaccine season. 

We are already making plans to administer flu vaccine for the 2010 - 2011

season which will most likely begin in September. (updated 05/10)

2009 - 2010 Flu Vaccine Availability

December 30, 2009

Dear Parents,

As you are aware, for the 2009 - 2010 flu season there are two separate flu vaccines: seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine. 

Sufficient quantity of H1N1 vaccine remain available to all ages of established and current patients.  We currently have adequate doses to offer all patients their initial and booster doses. 

As of Monday, January 5th, Hirsch Pediatrics will also be able to offer the H1N1 injection to parents and caregivers of current patients on a first-come, first-served basis.  The cost of the H1N1 vaccine for adults is $20. 

Click HERE for a detailed document containing 19 FAQ's on the H1N1 vaccine, H1N1 illness, thimerosal, and the use of Tamiflu.   We strongly encourage you to review this extensive document compiled by Dr. Hirsch before calling the office.

This website will be updated regularly with any changes regarding H1N1 vaccine availability from Hirsch Pediatrics.

Since September 8, 2009, we have been pleased to continuously offer without interruption the seasonal flu vaccine to all current patients of all ages and their caregivers.  See below for FAQ's regarding the Hirsch Pediatrics seasonal flu vaccine program.

As always, Hirsch Pediatrics is committed to providing the highest level of care for your family by ensuring that the flu vaccine is administered to you and your child as expeditiously, safely, and conveniently as possible. 

Please note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all children as well as caretakers of young children be vaccinated against the flu. I strongly support this recommendation. Please do not delay in getting you and your child vaccinated. 

I look forward to working with you to help ensure that you and your family have a "flu-free" flu season.

Sincerely,

Steven F. Hirsch, MD, FAAP
When can my child and I receive the seasonal flu vaccine?
  • Walk-in any weekday from 9:00 - 12:00 and 2:30 - 4:30 beginning Tuesday, September 8th.
  • No appointment is necessary (with minimal wait time).
  • Additional after-hours flu clinics are available (see right column).
  • Current patients and their caregivers may also receive their flu vaccine at a well-child exam. 
    • Please note that all children 6 months - 8 years who have only received 0 or 1 seasonal flu vaccines in all prior seasons combined will need 2 doses separated by 1 month.  
    • Also please note that all children will be given thimerosal free seasonal flu vaccine while supplies last.
 
Can parents and caregivers receive the seasonal flu vaccine from Hirsch Pediatrics?
  • Yes – while supplies last, we are happy to vaccinate and encourage all parents and caregivers to receive the flu vaccine.  Not only will this protect those individuals from the flu, it will significantly protect their children from flu exposure as well.
 
My child is not a patient of Hirsch Pediatrics.  Can I, as an adult, still receive the seasonal flu vaccine?
  • Yes - all adults may receive the seasonal flu vaccine at the office.  However, children (under age 21) who are not established patients of Hirsch Pediatrics will not be able to receive the flu vaccine at the office. Note: These adults will only be offered flu vaccine if vaccine supply is expected to be ample to cover current patients and their caregivers.
 
What if there is a seasonal flu vaccine shortage or a delay in availability?
  • Unfortunately, most flu vaccine shortages can not be predicted ahead of time and can happen in the middle of the season. In the event of a flu vaccine shortage, Hirsch Pediatrics reserves the right to prioritize vaccine administration for patients and according to CDC guidelines.
 
How much is the seasonal flu vaccine?
  • For current patients of Hirsch Pediatrics whose insurance coverage includes the seasonal flu vaccine, there is no additional charge for the seasonal flu vaccine other than your normal visit copay. Please note that all children will automatically be given thimerosal free flu vaccine while supplies last.
  • The cost for adults receiving the seasonal flu shot at Hirsch Pediatrics, seasonal flu shots given at off-site clinics, and seasonal flu shots for patients whose insurance coverage does not include the flu vaccine will be $30.  (Flumist and preservative free flu vaccine will be available at all locations for $45.)
 
Who should get the flu vaccine?
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all children should be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.  Note: Only children over 6 months of age are eligible for the flu shot.
  • In addition to all children, the following groups are considered high-risk and should be vaccinated against the seasonal flu:  
    • Any parent or caregiver of young children 
    • Adults 50 years of age or older.
    • People with history of wheezing, asthma, or other chronic medical conditions.
    • Most women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season. Note: Though the flu vaccine is felt to be safe for pregnant women throughout the pregnancy, some OB offices prefer to wait until after the first trimester.  
 
Can a flu shot actually give you the flu?
  • No.  It is impossible for any flu shot to give you the flu.
 
So why did I get sick last year after getting the flu shot?
  • The goal of a flu shot (or any vaccine) is to expose your immune system to a component of the actual organism you are trying to protect yourself against.  It is a relatively short lived immune system response to this component that makes you feel sick, not the actual virus.  Thus, the illness that you may feel from the shot is typically much milder and shorter in duration than actually becoming sick with the flu virus.  Also, the illness you may feel from the flu vaccine is not contagious.
 
What is Flumist?
  • Flumist is a thimerosal free seasonal nasal spray flu vaccine that contains the live flu virus in an attenuated (weakened) form. 
  • Flumist is only approved for ages 2 - 49, and there are more restrictions about who may receive Flumist. Visit www.flumist.com for a complete listing of who is eligible for Flumist. The Flumist costs $45.
 
Is it safe for my child to receive a flu vaccine with thimerosal?

As stated by the CDC and supported by the vast majority of medical organizations:

There is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the small amount of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor effects like swelling and redness at the injection site due to sensitivity to thimerosal.

Based on guidelines established by the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), no child will receive excessive mercury from childhood vaccines regardless of whether or not their flu shot contains thimerosal as a preservative.

Nevertheless, to simplify administration and alleviate any lingering concerns, while supplies last, Hirsch Pediatrics will administer thimerosal free seasonal flu vaccine to all established patients. 

2009 - 2010
After-Hours
Walk-in Flu Clinics


(Note: You may also walk in to the office any weekday from 9 - 12 and 2:30 - 4:30 beginning Tuesday, September 8th)
Tuesday, September 15
from 5 - 7 pm at office of Hirsch Pediatrics
Wednesday, September 30
from 5 - 7 pm at office of Hirsch Pediatrics
Wednesday, October 14
from 5 - 7 pm at office of
Hirsch Pediatrics