As the colder months approach, Willows Pediatrics Doctors are committed to safeguarding your children from сезонные viruses. We understand that parents are looking for reliable and expert care, and our team is here to provide the vaccinations your child needs to stay healthy throughout the winter season. This year, we are offering flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines to our young patients, ensuring comprehensive protection against common respiratory illnesses.
Flu Vaccine: Annual Protection for Children
The annual flu vaccine is a crucial step in protecting your child from influenza. Willows Pediatrics doctors strongly recommend the flu vaccine for all children over 6 months of age. Flu season typically peaks around November, so we encourage parents to get their children vaccinated well before Halloween – “Flu before boo!” as we like to say. This proactive approach helps build immunity before the virus becomes widespread in the community. It’s also important to remember that, according to state law, all children under 5 years old attending preschool or daycare must receive a flu vaccine each year.
Alt text: A smiling young child receives a flu vaccine from a friendly Willows Pediatrics doctor in a bright and welcoming clinic room.
For parents of children with egg allergies, there’s good news. The CDC has reviewed the data and determined that allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are extremely rare, occurring in approximately 1.3 per 1 million doses given. Because of this, children with egg allergies can now receive the flu vaccine at any of our clinics without needing a prior appointment with their primary doctor or allergist.
Most children require just one annual flu shot. However, if your child is under 9 years old and has not previously received two flu vaccines in their lifetime, they will need a booster dose this year. This booster dose is administered 28 days after the initial dose and is the same strength as the first. This two-dose regimen for first-timers ensures optimal protection.
RSV Protection: Beyfortus for Infants
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can be particularly serious for young infants. To protect our youngest patients, Willows Pediatrics doctors offer Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody injection. This preventative measure is available for infants less than 8 months old and for certain older infants (less than 24 months) with specific high-risk medical conditions in their second winter season. Beyfortus provides crucial protection against severe RSV illness during their first year of life and beyond for at-risk toddlers. For more detailed information about RSV and Beyfortus, please visit our dedicated page: RSV/Beyfortus.
Alt text: A gentle Willows Pediatrics nurse administers a Beyfortus injection to a calm infant held by a parent, ensuring RSV protection during the winter months.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Children
Willows Pediatrics doctors also provide the COVID-19 vaccine for young children who are not yet eligible to receive it at pharmacies. Vaccination remains an effective tool in preventing severe illness from COVID-19, and we are dedicated to making it accessible to our youngest patients. Protecting your child against COVID-19 is an important part of maintaining their overall health and well-being, especially as we head into the respiratory virus season.
Convenient Vaccine Clinics and Appointments
To make vaccination as convenient as possible, Willows Pediatrics doctors offer these vaccines during well-child visits and even at urgent/sick visits, provided your child’s illness is mild and without fever. For families who do not have regularly scheduled check-ups in the fall, or who don’t require an urgent appointment, we host dedicated vaccine clinics.
Important Information for Flu Vaccine Clinics:
This year, all flu vaccine clinics will be held in our office by appointment only. To schedule your child’s flu vaccine appointment, please call our office. We require that you are an established patient of Willows Pediatrics and have been seen in our office previously. Please remember to bring a valid insurance card to your appointment.
To expedite your visit, please print and complete the 2024 Injectable Flu Administration Sheet before your appointment. If someone other than a parent or legal guardian is bringing your child for their vaccine, we require a signed note granting parental permission for vaccine administration.
Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule:
- Tuesday, September 10th: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Friday, September 13th: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday, September 19th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 24th: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 25th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, October 3rd: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Note: Rosh Hashanah, many schools closed)
- Tuesday, October 8th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, October 11th: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday, October 17th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, October 24th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 30th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 5th: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Note: Election Day, many schools closed)
- Tuesday, November 12th: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday, November 14th: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Alt text: A sign outside Willows Pediatrics announces upcoming vaccine clinic dates and times, welcoming families to protect their children.
Willows Pediatrics doctors are dedicated to providing your family with exceptional care and ensuring your children have a healthy winter season. Schedule your child’s vaccine appointment today and take a proactive step in protecting their health. Contact us to book your appointment and learn more about how we can help your family stay healthy this winter.
