General Questions…
Why should I wait? I can get my shot earlier at other places around town!
While there are a few exceptions where it is better receive your flu shot earlier in the season, for MOST of us, it is better to wait until October/November. According to data from the CDC, the peak month of flu season is in February. This means that those who get their flu shot too early, place themselves at risk of not being fully protected during the toughest months of flu season.
The figure below demonstrates peak flu activity for the United States, based from monthly data collected from flu seasons starting back in 1976 and through 2011.
The “peak month of flu activity” is the month with the highest percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus infection. During this 35-year period, flu activity most often peaked in February. This information was posted August 10th, 2011.
Click here to read the full article Article from the CDC.
This is why we wait!
Palouse Medical always delays administering vaccinations until the end of October. By offering this later administration, we are allowing your immunity the most optimum protection advantage. We also are helping you limit the amount of flu vaccine that you will need to receive this year. Those who receive an earlier dosing can often end up needing immunized again in the spring. While it may be more convenient to get your flu shot earlier, we urge you to consider all the facts.
Ask your health care provider what is best for YOUR particular circumstances!
Who should get a flu shot?
If you have direct and daily contact with many individuals, perhaps you should consider getting an annual flu shot!
Whether you are a student in school, work in the service industry, have a profession that requires a great deal of customer contact, those living or working with vulnerable populations (children and the elderly), frequently use public transportation, frequently attend large social events, or plan on doing any traveling outside of the community—the annual flu vaccine can really help keep you protected!
Who is considered at HIGH RISK for flu related complications?
To best answer this question, we have provided information from the prevention and control of influenza recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) below.
INDIVIDUALS AT HIGH RISK FOR INFLUENZA-RELATED COMPLICATIONS:
- Those 6 MONTHS – 4 YEARS OF AGE
- Those 50 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
- Those who are current RESIDENTS OF NURSING HOMES, ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS, OR OTHER CHRONIC-CARE FACILITIES
- Those with CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS, DISEASES, OR DISORDERS (*List below*)
- Those who are IMMUNOSUPPRESSED (This includes immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
- Those who ARE CURRENTLY PREGNANT OR WILL BE DURING FLU SEASON
- Those who are OVERWEIGHT or CONSIDERED MORBIDLY OBESE
- Those who live with or have DIRECT CONTACT WITH CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE
- Those who are CAREGIVERS FOR CHILDREN
- Those who are CAREGIVERS FOR ADULTS
- Those planning on TRAVELING OUT OF THE COUNTRY
- HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS or those who work AT LOCATIONS OFFERING HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The flu shot MAY be something you should get this year!
If you have not had this immunization before OR are still wondering whether or not it is best for you,
please contact your primary health care provider today!
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Billing Questions…
What is the cost for those who pay at time of service?
We offer a discount for those who are paying at time of service. This fee includes the cost of the vaccine and administration.
The Pay At Time Of Service Cost = $30/person
Will you bill insurance?
In answer to the popular insurance question…
YES, WE WILL BILL YOUR INSURANCE, as long as you are a patient here at Palouse Medical. While insurance benefits vary from plan to plan, most insurances seem to cover the seasonal flu vaccine. However, it is always a good idea to know your insurance benefits and coverage. Contact your insurance if you are wondering whether this vaccine will be covered.
Scheduling Questions…
Will I need an appointment?
An appointment is NOT necessary during our clinic. In fact, that is precisely why we offer these clinics! We want to provide our patients with easy walk-in options to accommodate all those busy schedules. In clinic will be held in the lobby area in front of the entrance to Palouse Medical’s office located at 825 SE Bishop Blvd., Suite #200 in Pullman.
Should I call before coming into the office?
There is no need to call prior to coming in during the week of our clinic.
Just pick a day that works for you, come on in during our flu shot clinic and our nursing staff will be happy to administer, and document your immunization! We look forward to helping you get prepared against the upcoming flu season!
Hours and more details will be posted soon!
Can anyone come to the flu shot clinic?
Our annual flu shot clinic is open to ALL! If you are an established Palouse Medical patient, we can bill your insurance, or you can pay at time of service. If you aren’t an established patient, we can still help get you immunized! Non-Patients, friends, or family members of patients will need to pay at time of service.
