In their newsletter that went out today they detailed what they are seeing and what the flu shot will have this year: “We’ve seen a suspiciously high number of kids with high fevers lately, so we’re thinking this may signal an early onset of flu season. If this is the flu, it looks like a run-of-the-mill strain producing the usual miserable five days of fever, muscle pain, and nasal congestion. We’ll monitor the situation, but we’re offering flu vaccinations as early as this week. This year’s vaccine provides protection against the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 strain. It’s recommended for children 6 months and older. Kids younger than 9 years who have never received a flu vaccination require two doses. Patients with egg allergies should not receive the vaccine.
Remember, the vaccine is based on a prediction of the upcoming flu strain, so it’s not perfect. Many vaccinated people still get the flu. On the other hand, the vaccine has no side-effects, and if the prediction turns out to be correct, it could help prevent a bout of the flu, which can have rare but severe complications.”
You can get your flu shots at your pediatrician’s office, most Walgreens and CVS pharmacies, Target. It seems the standard price is $29.99.
Starting this week, CVS is offering free flu shot vouchers for the uninsured and they will be available at participating community clinic and health centers for their existing patients.