The 2015/2016 Flu Vaccination is now available at Performance Pediatrics by appointment only. Please call 508-747-8277 weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm to schedule an appointment.

It is important that we all do everything we can to minimize our chances of getting the flu:

• Wash your hands frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth with a tissue, or in a pinch, your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• All patients age 6 months and older should get flu vaccination

TIMING
Influenza or "The Flu" is a viral illness that spreads across the world every year. Flu season in the Northeast of the United States tends to be from January to March, but occasionally will start earlier. Symptoms of the flu include fever, body ache, headache, sore throat, cough and fatigue. The flu can last 5-7 days, with people usually feeling the worst on days 2 and 3 of the illness.

SHOT VS FLU MIST
Performance Pediatrics has a limited supply of flu vaccine. At this time we have only flu shots -- no nasal spray. CVS and other retail pharmacies know that many patients prefer Flu Mist to a shot and, for that reason, bought up much of the available supply. If you prefer Flu Mist, we encourage you to obtain it at CVS or other retail pharmacy. If we receive any at Performance Pediatrics, it will be administered on a first come/first service basis. We are not able to reserve doses for patients.

LIMITED SUPPLY
Unfortunately we cannot provide flu vaccine to anyone who is not a patient at Performance Pediatrics (including parents). Please contact your primary care provider to arrange to get a flu shot for other household members of your family who are not patients at Performance Pediatrics.

COST
Performance Pediatrics will not collect co-pay at flu-vaccination appointments. Most insurance plans do not require patients to pay a co-pay for vaccine-only visits. For those patients who do end up owing co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible, a bill will be sent to you after your insurance plan processes the claim.

CDC
For the most recent information about the 2015/2016 flu season and vaccination, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online information page: http://www.cdc.gov/flu.

Dr. McAllister and Nurse Practitioner Jen are available to answer any questions. Call today to schedule an appointment for your child to be immunized against the flu.