Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Vaccine Appointments Now Available to Everyone through Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
Although the H1N1 epidemic seems to have peaked and cases are now becoming fewer, Kelsey-Seybold doctors continue to recommend getting vaccinated with both the seasonal influenza vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. As pointed out by Anne Schuchat, M.D., Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the CDC, “even when a peak has occurred, half the people who are going to become ill haven’t gotten ill yet.”
Due to increased contact with illness over the winter holidays, another peak in H1N1 flu cases may occur and the seasonal flu may begin to increase. Kelsey-Seybold doctors strongly recommend getting vaccinated with both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine.
In addition to the priority groups established by the CDC, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is now scheduling appointments for everyone, 6 months and older. Previously, the vaccine was reserved for high-risk individuals, such as people 25 years through 64 years, who have certain medical conditions and pregnant women.
Call our Contact Center at 713-442-0427 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Friday during regular clinic hours. Saturday appointments are available at four Kelsey-Seybold locations in Clear Lake, Kingwood, Spring and West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this seasonal flu vaccine protect me from the swine flu?
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").
I received the flu vaccine this past spring or summer. Do I need another one?
Yes. The vaccine strain changes every year, with the previous year's vaccine expiring in July. The vaccine for this year is just now becoming available. The seasonal flu immunization is designed to give you protection for one year, but is changed each summer to more closely match the flu strains most likely to cause disease the following winter.
I received Tamiflu® or other treatment for H1N1 this spring or summer. Do I need a seasonal flu immunization?
Yes, you will need protection from the three strains of flu included in the seasonal vaccine, as this is not the type of influenza you had. If you had confirmed or probable H1N1 flu, you may not need that vaccine when it becomes available, unless you are in a high risk group.
What is FluMist?
FluMist is a nasal spray vaccine that can be taken instead of a shot by healthy people ages 2 to 49.
Who shouldn't get a flu vaccination?
Talk to your doctor about not getting a flu immunization if:
- You have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot.
- You have a history of Guillain-Barre' syndrome (GBS.)
- If you have an appointment to receive your flu vaccine and you are sick with a fever, you should talk to your doctor or nurse about postponing your immunization. However, you can get your vaccination if you are not running a fever and have only a mild respiratory infection or other illness.
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.
Is there a co-pay for the flu immunization?
Check with your health care insurance provider. Most health care benefits plans, including PPO, HMO and POS plans, typically cover the cost of the seasonal flu vaccination.
Can I pay cash for my flu immunization?
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts cash for services, including flu shots and FluMist.
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).
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.
Where can I get more information about the seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information and answers to frequently asked questions:
