Flu shots have arrived!

Beginning this week we now have influenza vaccines available for our patients. This includes vaccine those on commercial insurance, Oregon Health Plan, and uninsured. We have doses of injectable and nasal vaccine. Saturday influenza clinics begin this month. Just come to our clinic between 9 am and 12 noon. No appointment necessary. If your child already has an appointment coming up in the next 4-6 weeks we will be happy to get vaccine done at that time. Influenza vaccines are recommended for all of our patients over 6 months old. Supply is expected to be adequate. We increased our order this year substantially to prepare for coming flu season.

The vaccine currently available is the usual seasonal vaccine that includes protection against three strains of influenza. This does NOT include H1N1 2009 strain.

H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine is anticipated to be available in November. It will be available in injectable and nasal forms. The manufacturing process is identical to current seasonal influenza vaccine. It is not an "experimental" vaccine. It is recommended for children over 6 months old and will be most important for children under age 5 and those with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza. Dosing and schedule has not been finalized but will likely closely mirror current seasonal influenza vaccine schedule.

For latest information on influenza vaccine visit "CDC Influenza Information Center":http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

h2. CDC Videos