September 14th, 2023
Greetings Friends and Fans!
Our first shipments of 2023-2024 flu vaccine have been delivered and we are once again making plans for protecting our patients and their families by giving flu vaccines in the office. We strongly recommend flu vaccine for all our patients who are six months of age or older, and it is especially important for children with chronic health problems.
WHO? Any of our active patients AND their parents/guardians may receive a flu vaccine either during a flu clinic, when they are in the office with a child or sibling, or at any regularly scheduled appointment. Parents/guardians MUST register with our front desk prior to receiving a flu vaccine in our office. This means that we will need to collect your insurance information if you want us to bill your insurance company for the vaccine. The fee for a flu vaccine if you are parent/guardian whose insurance does not cover the vaccine is $40.
WHAT? This year too we are offering both the Injectable (the shot) and Nasal Spray (the snot) versions of the flu vaccine. There are certain restrictions on who can receive the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine and the Injectable Flu Vaccine, so please be sure to read the vaccine information sheet on the vaccine you wish for your child to receive before scheduling their appointment.
WHEN? This year again we will be holding flu clinics during a wide variety of days/times. These will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to allow for appropriate social distancing and safety. We ask that you arrive at the scheduled time for your appointment and follow staff directions closely. This is for everyone’s safety and will allow us to maintain an orderly process.
WHAT ELSE? Covid-19 Vaccine can be administered at the same time as the flu vaccine for anyone 6 months and up.
We continue to stock Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for all eligible age groups-the primary series and the bivalent booster formulation will be available to receive during your/your child’s appointment. You can visit our “COVID-19 Information” page for more details.
Please contact us right away and our staff would be happy to help you set up an appointment to get protected against both Covid-19 and Influenza.
HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:
- Contact the office during regular office hours at 215-247-2996
- Log into your child’s Patient Portal and click the "Schedule Now" button
2023 FLU CLINIC GUIDELINES
Masks are still required for everyone ages 2 and up entering our office. If your child or anyone in their household tests positive for Covid-19 within 10 days of your scheduled appointment, please contact the office to reschedule your appointment once your quarantine or isolation period has ended. In order to keep our team and patients safe, we need your cooperation and assistance.
All our flu vaccine appointments MUST be pre-scheduled. Please click here, or login to the Patient Portal or call the office during regular office hours to schedule an appointment.
This year again we are offering some drive-thru flu shot appointments in our parking lot. When you arrive for your appointment members of our team will be in the parking lot directing you to the appropriate station based on your appointment.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
-Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
-Review the Vaccine Information Statements for the flu vaccine: Injectable Flu Vaccine, Nasal Flu Vaccine
If possible, please review and complete the appropriate Influenza vaccine screening form ahead of your appointment. Bring the form with you to your appointment:
-Injectable Flu Vaccine Screening Form
-Nasal Flu Vaccine Screening Form
FOR DRIVE THRU APPOINTMENTS
-EVERYONE in your vehicle should be wearing a mask that covers their mouth and nose. We will let you know when you/your child can remove your mask.
-Please keep your child in their car/booster seat.
-Please be sure your child is wearing appropriate clothing to receive a flu shot.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
Infants (6-35 months of age) who are receiving their first flu vaccine, as well as children who are 8 years old and younger and have never received an Influenza vaccine, will need to receive two doses of Flu.
No copays are due when receiving the flu vaccine. We will bill your child’s flu shot to their active insurance company.
If your child does not have active insurance, payment of $23 will be due at the time of service. If there is any patient responsibility due after your claim has processed, we will bill you according to our financial policy.
The fee for the vaccine for adults 19 years and older whose insurance does not cover the cost of flu vaccine is $40 which will be due at the time of service.
*While we are happy to protect our patients, as well as their parents and caregivers, our experience last year was that some insurance companies processed claims in a way that left parents and caregivers with a balance. Any questions about whether your flu vaccine will be covered if given at our office should be directed to the member services department at your health insurance company.
Please call our office with any concerns or questions. We know there is a lot of information to digest here-we are happy to help you figure it out!
Be well!
