UPDATE: March 17, 2010 – Flu Season Isn’t Over
If you and your family haven’t been vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus, don't put it off any longer. This advisory is especially important for infants and children less than 9 years old, who may not have had the two doses they need to be protected.
During early March, Houston area viral illness surveillance showed an increase in influenza-A cases, and most were the H1N1 subtype.
So protect yourself and your family and get vaccinated for H1N1 influenza.
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is scheduling H1N1 vaccinations for everyone 6 months or older. Schedule your appointment today at 713-442-0000.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already had the seasonal flu vaccine. Will this vaccine protect me from H1N1?
No. The seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect you from the three most common strains of seasonal flu viruses, but not from H1N1 (formerly called "swine flu").
Is there anything different about flu immunizations for children?
Children younger than 9 years of age need two doses - given one month apart - if this is their first year to get the flu vaccine. Two doses are needed for either the flu shot or the nasal vaccine (FluMist).
What is FluMist?
FluMist is a nasal spray vaccine that can be taken instead of a shot by healthy people ages 2 to 49.
Are flu immunizations covered by my health benefits plan?
Check with your health benefits plan to see if flu immunizations are a covered service. You can typically access this information from your health plan's Web site or from your employer's Web site. Flu vaccine may be covered by your plan with or without a co-pay. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts more than 70 health care plans.
Can I pay cash for my flu immunization?
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts cash for services, including flu shots and FluMist.
Is there anything else I can do to protect myself and my family from the flu?
The best recommendations are to wash your hands frequently, use alcohol based hand sanitizers, avoid contact with people who have the flu and maintain good health habits, including diet, exercise and getting enough sleep.
How can I schedule an appointment for H1N1 vaccination?
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is scheduling H1N1 vaccinations for everyone 6 months or older. Schedule your appointment today at 713-442-0000.
Where can I get more information about H1N1?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information and answers to frequently asked questions:
Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) and You
