Flu shipments were delayed this year because the FDA and World Health Organization took an extra month to formulate the vaccine. They wanted to take advantage of information gained when last year’s flu season peaked for a second time in February/March with a mutated version of the virus.
We have just received our first shipment of flu vaccine and while we’re offering vaccinations for convenience to children during office visits at this time, we’re waiting until October to host our first clinics. And here’s why…
It takes approximately two weeks to build immunity after receiving the flu vaccine. Each month after that we lose about 16% of immunity from the flu shot. At about 3 months we’ve lost about 50% of our immunity to the flu.
The flu season in the U.S. typically peaks in January and February. By receiving the vaccine in October/November, we’re more likely to maintain immunity throughout the duration of the flu season, and most especially when it reaches its peak.
Please call to reserve your child’s place for a flu vaccine during our Saturday Flu Clinics in October:
Saturday, October 5, 2019 8:30 am – 12:00 noon
Saturday, October 19, 2019 8:30 am – 12:00 noon
Or during our Weekday Flu Clinics beginning October 14th:
Tuesday mornings, 8:00 – 8:45 am
Wednesday afternoons, 4:00-5:00 pm
Because we know that healthy parents are better able to care for their children, parents can get their vaccines too for a $35 fee.
Call us at 941-552-8341 or stop by the front desk to make an appointment today.