2019-2020 Flu Season Information
The 2019-2020 flu season is now under way and we want to make sure all of our patients are well-informed and properly vaccinated. Please check back with us as we will be updating this page regularly throughout this year’s flu season.
| Location / Vaccine Source | Injection 0.5mL | Flumist (2yrs & older) |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Memorial / VFC vaccines | Not Available | Not Available this Year |
| Cypress / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Cypress / VFC vaccines | Not Available | Not Available this Year |
| Katy / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Katy / VFC vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Fairfield / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Fairfield / VFC vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Woodlands / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Woodlands / VFC vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Greater Heights / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Greater Heights / VFC vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Sienna Plantation / Commercial vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
| Sienna Plantation / VFC vaccines | Available | Not Available this Year |
*All 2019 flu clinic dates listed below are Saturdays from 8AM-1PM. Please note that our flu clinics are reserved for patients of those offices, respectively. All Blue Fish patients should receive their flu shots at their respective locations.
Memorial: 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7
Cypress: 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9
Katy: 9/28, 10/12, 10/26
Fairfield: No Flu Clinic – Flu Shots given during regular office hours by appointment
Woodlands: No Flu Clinic – Flu Shots given during regular office hours by appointment
Greater Heights: No Flu Clinic – Flu Shots given during regular office hours by appointment
Sienna Plantation: No Flu Clinic – Flu Shots given during regular office hours by appointment
Where can I get my flu shot?
For logistical reasons, patients can only receive their flu vaccine at the same location as their PCP (Primary Care Provider).
When can I get my flu shot?
Each office has its own protocol for when flu shots are available. Please see your respective office’s Flu Newsletter to find out when you can receive your flu shot.
Who can get the flu shot?
- Blue Fish patients
- Family members living in the same household with patients younger than 6 months old
- Additionally, for those offices offering Saturday flu clinics (Memorial, Cypress, and Katy), any Blue Fish parent, regardless of their child’s age, can get their flu shot on these designated Saturdays. For all others, we ask that they receive their vaccines at outside facilities (e.g. pharmacy) or through their own PCP.
Is the flu vaccine cost covered by my insurance policy?
Most commercial health plans cover flu vaccines, but it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to verify their own health plan benefits. All parents (and family members who are not Blue Fish patients) receiving the flu vaccine will be asked to pay cash prices. If you would like to receive the flu vaccine via your insurance, please arrange for your flu vaccine through your regular doctor.
How much is the cash price for the flu vaccine?
$35
What should I prepare for the Saturday flu clinics (Memorial, Cypress, and Katy Only)?
We have a downloadable flu vaccine packet (PDF) on this flu page (see “Flu Clinic Paperwork” toggle). For convenience, we will also have these packets available at each flu clinic. We only require one Information Sheet from each family unit, but each person receiving the flu shot will need to submit his or her own flu waiver.
Will the FluMist (intranasal) vaccine be available this year?
Although the intranasal flu vaccine is an acceptable alternative to the flu shot for the 2019-2020 flu season, it was produced in such a limited quantity this year that there will be very little available in the United States this flu season. As such, Blue Fish will not be offering the intranasal flu vaccine this year.
*For all medical questions regarding the flu vaccine, please refer to our Flu Newsletter or you can visit www.cdc.gov.
Why do we do Saturday flu clinics?
Since 2006, we have found Saturday clinics to be the most effective way to administer the flu vaccine to the most amount of people as possible.
Why can’t I come whenever I want?
Walk-in appointments and too many flu shot only appointments during Saturday clinic early in the flu season overwhelm the schedule and staff, creating longer wait times for well and sick visits.
Why can’t I go to another Blue Fish clinic to get my flu vaccine?
We order a specific amount of flu vaccine according to our patient population per clinic.
Why do you run out of the flu vaccine?
We are at the mercy of the vaccine company and the VFC program to send the flu vaccine. We cannot control the amount or date of shipment. The weather, like tropical storms or hurricanes, can also delay shipments, causing a temporary shortage of supply.
What is the best way to find out if the flu vaccine is available?
Signing up to receive emails and checking the online flu availability chart the day of flu clinic will provide the most up to date supply availability.
What if I can’t make it to a flu clinic?
Flu shot only appointments can be scheduled after the final flu clinic. You may also choose to have it done at a pharmacy. If going to a pharmacy, you should confirm who can receive flu at their location. We are happy to write prescriptions for the flu vaccine if requested by a pharmacy.
What if my child has an egg allergy?
All children with egg allergy of any severity can receive influenza vaccine without any additional precautions beyond those recommended for any vaccine.
What if my child needs a second dose?
The second dose should be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose. You can come to a subsequent flu clinic, as long as it has been at least 4 weeks, or you can schedule a shot only appointment.
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