Potomac Pediatrics - Flu Clinics

H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) Vaccine

Please read the following carefully.

You MAY NOT RECEIVE THE H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:

younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
pregnant
asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised
received the SEASONAL FLUMIST® within the past 4 weeks
received VARIVAX® (chicken pox ) or MMR (measles) vaccine within the past 4 weeks
taken Tamiflu within the past 2 weeks

You MAY RECEIVE THE H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:

already gotten the seasonal flu vaccine injection
living with someone who is younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
living with someone who is pregnant
living with someone who has asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised

It is recommended that everyone under 10 years old get 2 doses of H1N1 regardless of whether you get the injection or the mist. The second dose for the LAIV (Nasal Spray) will ideally be given 4 weeks after the first dose.

The physicians of Potomac Pediatrics do recommend H1N1 vaccination. We believe that the vaccine is safe and that the benefits of vaccination dramatically outweigh the risks/burdens.

When Can I Come for my Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is available without an appointment Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm, closed for lunch from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. FIC Providers is also offering the following evening walk-in hours 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Tuesday, October 13th
Wednesday, October 28th
Thursday, November 5th
Wednesday, November 11th

What is the cost of a flu vaccine?
Everyone will be charged $20 for the administration of the vaccine. The cost will cover staffing, overhead, and compliance costs. We are unable to submit to insurance for the administration of the vaccine.

Does insurance cover the vaccine?
Insurance coverage for the flu vaccine depends upon your particular policy. However, FIC does not participate with any insurance company and cannot submit a claim to your insurance company. Being vaccinated by FIC is similar to getting vaccinated in a local grocery store. You will be given a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement. Of course, being vaccinated by FIC is unlike being vaccinated at the local grocery store in that you are surrounded by the medical staff of Potomac Pediatrics who are available to handle any unexpected emergencies.

What if there is a flu vaccine shortage?
In the past several years flu vaccine shortages have appeared in two forms. There has been national underproduction as well as misdistribution. We have every expectation that we will be able to provide immunization to anyone who seeks it. However, in the event of a shortage, FIC Providers will reserve the right to prioritize vaccine administration and cancel evening flu clinics. Please check our Web site’s homepage for any updates.

Who is FIC Providers, LLC?
FIC Providers is an independent company that will provide influenza immunization to the patients of Potomac Pediatrics as well as the community. By outsourcing the process of vaccinating thousands of people, your Potomac Pediatrics family will be able to focus completely on your children’s medical needs. FIC Providers operates much like a vaccination station at the local grocery store with a few exceptions:

The entire family can be vaccinated at the same time (many grocery stores won’t vaccinate children)
FIC has a wider range of available walk-in times
FIC offers the variety of flu vaccine options
At FIC you are surrounded by the medical staff of Potomac Pediatrics who is available and capable of handling any unexpected emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our office has received a large number of questions regarding the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray). Here are the answers to some of the most common questions:

Pregnancy:

I am pregnant. Can I receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
No, you must receive the inactivated injection
I am pregnant. Can my family members receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
Yes, as long as they are over age 2 and do not have medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) administration.

Age, Immunocompromised and exclusion:

What are medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
They include asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or if you are immunocompromised.
What if I have daily contact with someone who is immunocompromised, is receiving chemotherapy or has had an organ transplant?
You can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)
My child who is under 2 can not receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray), can I get it since we live in the same house?
Yes
Can I bring my Grandmother to get H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
It is not recommended for people over the age of 49 years.
Can she receive the H1N1 vaccine injection?
Yes

Already had the disease or started the seasonal flu vaccine series:

What if I already received the seasonal Flumist Vaccine?
You may also receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) as long as there has been at least 4 wks between doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray).
What if I already received the seasonal flu vaccine injection?
You may receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) vaccine at any time.
I think I already had the Swine Flu, should I get the vaccine?
Yes
When I was diagnosed with the flu I was treated with Tamiflu, can I receive the vaccine?
You can receive the vaccine if it has been more than 2 wks since you finished taking Tamiflu.

Miscellaneous questions:

Can my child receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if he/she is due to receive immunizations at a routine well child visit in the next few weeks?
If your child is due to receive a live vaccine such as the chicken pox vaccine or the MMR they can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) on the same day, otherwise there must be at least 4 wks between Flu mist and any other live vaccine.
How many doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) do I need?
If you are under 10 years of age it is recommended that you receive 2 doses at least 4 wks apart. If you are 10 years old or older you only need one dose of the vaccine.

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM