Flu Vaccine 
Seasonal and H1N1 Flu vaccine updates for East Bay Pediatrics here: This page is updated with flu vaccine availability only with changes in availability of vaccine. As of March 2010 updates are no longer weekly.
April/May 2010 update:
East Bay Pediatrics is out of H1N1 vaccine. Public health clinics in both Alameda county and Contra Costa county continue to offer H1N1 vaccine.
Drop-in vaccinations available for seasonal flu vaccine, no need to call! Only injectable vaccine for children over the age of 3 years is currently available at East Bay Pediatrics.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Seasonal Influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended annually for all children ages 6 months through 18 years. Flu infection and transmission rates are highest in children. Those with asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or other chronic illnesses are at particularly high risk. We recommend early vaccination both for protection throughout the flu season (usually October through April or May) and to ensure that supplies are still available.
Vaccine available now will provide protection for the entire 2009-2010 flu season. The vaccine is being made in two forms: Seasonal Flumist (nasal spray) and inactivated seasonal flu vaccine (injection or shot). Seasonal flu shots contain an inactivated (killed) virus and can be given to children over the age of 6 months. Seasonal Flumist (nasal spray) contains a live attenuated virus and can be given to patients over the age of two years. It is not advised for those with long term health problems, including lung diseases (includes asthma), heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or those with compromised immune systems.
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1 (swine) flu.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine
H1N1 Influenza (also known as “swine flu” or “novel flu”) is a new strain of influenza infecting humans since April of this year. For more information on H1N1 disease, please see the Hot Topics page. Questions can also be answered by your county public health department (see contact information above). A recent article by Dr. Paul Offit also offers more information about the myths surrounding H1N1 vaccination.
H1N1 Vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months to 24 years of age. In particular, those who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age and those with chronic medical problems or a weakened immune system should be vaccinated. Because this virus is a new or “novel” strain of the flu virus, most people have little or no immunity to the virus.
H1N1 vaccine is being made in two forms: H1N1 flu shot and H1N1 flumist (nasal spray) form. H1N1 flu shots contain inactivated (killed) virus and can be given to children over the age of 6 months. H1N1 flumist contains live, attenuated virus and can be given to healthy children over the age of 2 years. Those with chronic medical problems (including asthma) should not receive the vaccine in the flumist form. Children under the age of 10 years need two doses of H1N1 vaccine in either form, at least one month apart. Older children only need one dose of the vaccine.
H1N1 vaccine in either form does not protect against seasonal flu. Children should be vaccinated against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Children can receive both vaccines at the same visit but they cannot receive both of the flumist vaccines at the same time. After a dose of the mist form of either vaccine, children must wait at least 4 weeks prior to having any other live virus vaccines.
Remember:
- Children under the age of 10 years need to have two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine at least one month apart.
- Children under the age of 9 years need to have two doses of seasonal flu vaccine at least one month apart the first year that they receive a seasonal flu vaccine (after receiving two doses in one year children need only one dose annually).
- Children under 6 months of age cannot receive flu vaccines. Their family members and caretakers should be vaccinated.
- After receiving seasonal or H1N1 flumist, MMR, or Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines, children must wait at least 4 weeks before receiving any other live virus vaccines. For example: if your child received seasonal flumist on October 23, he or she cannot receive H1N1 flumist until November 23.
- Children CANNOT receive the seasonal or H1N1 flu vaccines if they are allergic to eggs.
Getting Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Vaccines For Your Child
Seasonal Flu vaccine can be given at any scheduled well and sick visits. Speak to your doctor during your child's visit.
No appointment is needed for seasonal flu vaccine only drop in (see below for more information).
Seasonal flu vaccine policy: In order to expedite drop-in visits for seasonal flu vaccine only, you or your insurance will be billed after the vaccine is given. No payments, including copays will be collected at the time of visit. If your insurance does not pay for the vaccine, it is your responsibility to submit payment in a timely manner.
H1N1 flu vaccine policy: Although the H1N1 flu vaccine is distributed by the government for free, there is no guarantee whether East Bay Pediatrics will be paid to administer the vaccine to your child. There is a $25 administrative fee for the H1N1 due at the time of service. This fee may or may not be covered, or covered in full by your insurance. East Bay Pediatrics will bill your insurance. Your account will be credited whatever amount your insurance pays for the administration fee. Exception: Patients who are covered by Alta Bates Medical Group (ABMG) may receive the vaccine without payment at the time of service. A waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian for all patients receiving H1N1 flu vaccine.
A parent or guardian must be present for children under the age of 18 years. If your child needs other vaccines, please call the Advice line to schedule an appointment (925)254-9203, option 6.
No appointment is needed for seasonal flu vaccine only drop in. If your child needs other vaccines, please call the Advice line to schedule an appointment (925)254-9203, option 6.
Please complete the seasonal flu vaccine form prior to your visit.Those receiving seasonal flu vaccine only will not be billed at the time of drop in appointments.
A parent or guardian must be present for vaccines to be administered to children under the age of 18 years. Children should not be ill when they come in for the flu vaccine.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Drop-In Monday thru Friday 10am-12noon or 2-4pm, both offices