2026-2027 Flu Season

Flu Vaccine Sign-up

**PLEASE BEAR WITH US AS WE LEARN HOW TO DOCUMENT FLU VACCINE WITH THE NEW ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD. 
Schedule an online appointment: 
Starting in mid-September, East Bay Pediatrics patients can schedule an appointment to get a Flu vaccine during our Saturday flu clinics (in Orinda only) the first Saturday will be the 19th of September or Weekday flu clinics (limited hours, both locations).
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Patients who already have an appointment scheduled can get flu vaccine during their previously scheduled appointments.

PARENT FLU VACCINES WILL BE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Tips for sign up and a smoother visit (see drop down menu to the right for more info)
**Sign up only the youngest patient in the family for flu vaccine; add notes in the system regarding siblings also getting vaccines (parent and caregiver vaccines not available yet)
**New this year: Insurance card and/or insurance information will be required at sign up. Make sure you have your card ready. 
**Every patient getting a flu vaccine should have a UCSF MyChart account set up. Try to add demographics and insurance information to make your visit faster. 
**every person receiving the vaccine will need to complete a paper consent form in the office. 
Note: patients with upcoming appointments can get the flu vaccine during their scheduled visit.
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Vaccines are available Saturday mornings in Orinda.
**COMING SOON: Tuesday - Friday all day in Orinda. Tuesday - Friday afternoons only in Berkeley.
2026–2027 Seasonal Flu Guidance for Families
At East Bay Pediatrics, keeping your children healthy, safe, and active is our top priority. As we head into the upcoming flu season, we are sharing updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help your family prepare.
Core Recommendation:
​Vaccination for Ages 6 Months and Older
The AAP recommends that all children 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall.
  • No Preferred Product: Any licensed influenza vaccine that is appropriate for your child's age and health status is recommended.
  • Trivalent Protection: This season’s vaccines continue to be trivalent (protecting against three main virus strains), and all three strains have been updated to match the specific viruses expected to circulate this year.
  • Coverage: Vaccines will be fully covered by commercial insurance plans and through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, as usual.
Why Flu Shots Matter: A Look at Recent Seasons
The past flu season was particularly severe for children across the country, resulting in high rates of hospitalization and pediatric illness. Historically, about 85% of children who tragically died from the flu were unvaccinated.
Recent studies from CDC experts highlight just how powerful the vaccine is:
  • 80% Risk Reduction: Getting a flu shot reduces a child’s risk of dying from the flu by 80%.
  • Preventing Hospitalization: In recent seasons, flu vaccines have prevented nearly 15,000 pediatric hospitalizations nationwide.
Vaccinating your child not only protects them from severe complications, but also helps lower the overall spread of respiratory viruses in our schools and local community.
Flu Treatments and Antivirals
If your child does get sick with the flu, effective antiviral treatments are available to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
  • When They Are Used: Antiviral treatment is strongly recommended for children who are hospitalized or have severe illness. It is also advised for children at higher risk for complications, such as those with asthma, chronic health conditions, or weakened immune systems.
  • Prompt Care: Antiviral medications work best when started as early as possible after symptoms begin.
  • Available Options: While oseltamivir (Tamiflu) remains the primary treatment choice for pediatric flu, Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is now available as a generic. This single-dose option for non-hospitalized children aged 5 and older may offer improved availability this season.
Protecting your family
We encourage all families to schedule their flu shots early in the season. If you need to schedule an appointment, please check out our flu clinic links.
Getting the ​Vaccine
  • ​Patients with upcoming visits can get the flu vaccine during their scheduled visit.
  • Click on the links on this page to sign up for an appointment for Flu vaccine. Appointments are available most Saturdays starting mid-September and some weekdays.
  • Some families may choose to get a flu vaccine at a local pharmacy. If you choose to do so, please forward documentation of the flu vaccine to us through the MyChart portal. This way we can keep your vaccine record up to date. ​
TIPS FOR ONLINE SIGN UP
  • This system is for both flu shots and COVID shots.
  • Have your insurance card ready when signing up. Insurance information is REQUIRED
  • Every patient getting a flu vaccine should have a UCSF MyChart account set up. ​
  • Appointments are available up to 2 weeks in advance and close 36 hours before the start of the clinic. If there are no more appointments, please check again soon. Thank you for your patience!
  • Please cancel your appointment in Solv if you can no longer come at your designated time. Missed appointments may incur a fee.
  • Please sign up the YOUNGEST child for one slot and add any siblings using the questionnaire on the site.
  • Under Reason for Visit, please choose Flu Vaccine Only, COVID Vaccine Only, or COVID AND Flu Vaccine from the drop down menu.
  • It is NOT necessary to create an account.
  • If you get stuck, you can skip any section but you may be asked to go back. In order to maintain patient privacy, the system does not save any answers. You will be asked to complete all paperwork before your child can be vaccinated. 
  • Please check in on Solv and again in the office with staff at your appointment time.  Orinda: Tuesday - Friday check in at the side door and Saturdays check in with front desk. Berkeley: Tuesday - Friday check in at the front desk. 
  • If you encounter any problems, please call the office during business hours at (925) 438-1100
  • ​ We are not offering flu drop-in at either of our offices. Please do not walk in.
PARENT FLU VACCINES  On hold until further notice
  • Once we learn how to administer flu vaccine with the new electronic medical record, we hope to offer flu vaccine to parents and caregives.
  • Each parent/caregiver will need a UCSF MyChart account and will need to submit a copy of his/her insurance card. 
  • East Bay Pediatrics will bill the parent insurance for the flu vaccine and its administration fee. If insurance denies payment, East Bay Pediatrics will charge the card on file $65.
  • Each patient and parent/caregiver will be expected to complete the parent flu questionnaire while in the office. One form per person.