Center City Pediatrics will be running several flu clinics from September through December as scheduled below. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect child from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.
EGG ALLERGY: Can My Child Receive the Flu Shot if He/She is Egg Allergic?
Most inactivated influenza vaccines (“flu shot”) are produced in eggs, and will contain tiny amounts of egg protein. Previously, individuals with a history of mild egg-allergy were required to undergo a period of observation after receiving the flu shot, while individuals with a history of severe egg allergy were recommended to be referred to an allergist.
Recent studies have now shown that the inactivated flu vaccine is well tolerated by recipients with a history of egg allergy of any severity. These studies have also shown that the risk of anaphylaxis due to the flu shot is rare (about 1 per 1 million recipients), and egg allergy does not appear to increase the risk of anaphylaxis due to the flu shot. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC guidelines for the 2016-2017 influenza season no longer recommend extended waiting periods of observation after administration of the flu shot. All children with an egg allergy can now receive the flu shot with no additional precautions from those of routine vaccinations. These recommendations remain unchanged for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.
As with any vaccine, children with a prior history of anaphylaxis to the flu shot (regardless of the component suspected of being responsible for the reaction) should not receive the flu shot.
NEW THIS YEAR
Center City Pediatrics is following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to vaccinate children with the inactivated flu vaccine (the flu shot), as there are still concerns regarding the efficacy of FluMist against certain strains of the flu, which leaves those children vulnerable. If you have questions regarding the flu shot, please ask your doctor at your child’s next well visit.
Center City Location – No Appointment Necessary
Saturday, September 15th 9am – 12noon
Saturday, October 13th 9am – 12noon
Saturday, November 17th 9am – 12noon
Saturday, December 15th 9am – 12noon
Bala Cynwyd Location – No Appointment Necessary
Sunday, October 21st 9am – 12noon
Sunday, December 2nd 9am – 12noon
About Walk-in Flu Clinics
Through the wonderful feedback of our patients we are constantly improving on our flu clinics. We have a wonderful team on staff for all flu clinics to help you get in and out as quickly as possible. Can’t make a walk-in date? Flu shots are also available by appointment on weekdays, including afternoon and select evenings. Contact our office at 215-735-5600 to schedule a time that is convenient for you.
Below are a few things to help you prepare for the flu clinic.
- No appointment is necessary for our Flu Shot Clinics. The flu clinic has a “number system”to speed up the process and to inform you of your exact place in line. The average wait time is 15 minutes.
- CCP’s flu clinic are for pre-existing patients only. Only patients that are registered and have been seen for a prior appointment in our office are eligible. We ask that new patients please make an appointment to get their child their seasonal flu shot.
- Please leave strollers in the lobby when you arrive for the flu clinic. This will help us keep the office safe for all the little ones cruising around.
Below are a few details about flu vaccinations at CCP:
- All parents will be asked a series of questions to ensure that it is safe to give your child the flu vaccine at this time.
- We can give flu vaccines to Center City Pediatrics patients only.
- No co-pay is collected for the flu vaccine visit.
- The flu vaccine is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.
33 Rock Hill Rd
1740 South Street