Flu Vaccine
This year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains all the flu strains that are thought to most likely occur in the United States this flu season. Only one flu vaccination is needed this year to protect against these prominent flu strains, including H1N1.
Infants and toddlers who have not previously received flu vaccine may need two doses, four weeks apart. The injectable flu vaccine is made from highly purified, egg grown inactivated virus and will not cause people to get the flu. Most people have no side effects from influenza vaccines. Flu shots are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. This may cause soreness for a day or two at the injection site and occasionally may also cause a fever or muscle aches for one or two days.
We also provide a preservative-free flu shot, in limited quantities, for children 6-36 months of age.
FluMist is given as a nasal spray. Certain individuals should not receive Flumist:
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children younger than two years of age
- adults older than 50 years of age
- children with medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system
- individuals with immune deficiency disorders
- children who are taking aspirin
- teens who are pregnant
- individuals with asthma that is not under good control (e.g., symptomatic in the last 2 weeks or flare requiring prednisone in the last month)
Some children with asthma should not be given Flumist. The decision regarding Flumist in this setting is up to the physician.
Egg allergic patients:Egg allergic patients should not receive Flumist. Most egg allergic patients can receive injected flu vaccine. Ask your physician or a DAI nurse about flu vaccine for people with egg allergy.
FluMist does not contain preservative thimerosal. Although a preservative-free flu shot is available.
A fee of $35 will be charged for the seasonal flu vaccine and $45 for FluMist. Insurance claims are filed for current DallasAllergyImmunology patients.