FLU CLINIC 2009

10/23/2009 - Flu Clinic Update

We are trying to keep everyone updated as quickly as possible since we just received more vaccine. We have decided to open up our schedules for the next few weeks on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in an attempt to get everyone vaccinated before the supply is exhausted again.

This morning, we received:

600 doses of flu shots for under age 3

500 doses of FluMist

We are told NOT to expect any more vaccine for the older children

200 doses of H1N1 Mist - Please check the following criteria to see if your child is eligible to receive the mist.

No other information is available as to when we might expect the H1N1 shots.

Reminder - H1N1 Mist is a live virus, and administered the same way as the seasonal Flu Mist.

The patient:

• must not be allergic to eggs
• cannot have asthma or a history of wheezing or RAD (no studies available for a length of time
• for use of an inhaler - so any history of the above should not receive the mist.)
• cannot be immunocompromised (transplants / chemo / etc).
• cannot be on aspirin therapy.
• cannot have had the Tamiflu within the last 14 days of dosing;
  

If Seasonal Flu Mist has already been received, the the patient must wait at least 28 days before receiving the H1N1 mist. The 2 mists cannot be given together.

Ages 2 and up may receive the H1N1 mist - all children 9 years and under must receive 2 doses this season (at least 1 month apart).

Because this is a new vaccine there is no data to support giving the Mist with any inactivated vaccines.

The following side effects have been reported within 10 days of receiving the H1N1 Mist

Runny nose

Decrease appetite

Irritability

Lethargy

Sore Throat

Headache

Muscle Aches

Chills

Fever (100-102)

9/27/2009 - Changes to Saturday Clinic & Walk-in Clinic

At Treehouse Pediatrics, we are monitoring the evolving influenza situation in both Austin/Round Rock and nationwide. As many of you know, there has been a significant increase in the number of ill children over the last several weeks, far more than is usually seen this time of year. In an effort to continue to accommodate our sick and well patients, we want to communicate to you our efforts in this regard:

Saturday Clinic - Beginning next Saturday, October 3rd, the phone lines will be open from 8:00a.m. - 10:00 a.m. only (appointments scheduled 9:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.). This means, we will begin taking calls at 8:00 AM, rather than 8:30 AM, to schedule appointments. At 10:00 a.m. we will stop taking calls and you will be directed to our after-hours triage service rather than the office.

• Please remember that Saturday sick clinic is by appointment only - there is no walk-in clinic. Any patient "walking-in" on a Saturday will be offered the next available time slot.

Walk-in clinic for acute illness will continue to be held each morning Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Beginning mid October and throughout the winter, we will be increasing the number of providers available to see your child on Mondays and Fridays.

• So that we can continue to accommodate acute illnesses during our daily walk-in clinic:

  if your child has a chronic issue (i.e., a rash that has been present for two weeks, constipation, feeding issues, etc.), please try to schedule a regular appointment with your physician if at all possible. This will allow us to continue to accommodate the increased number of acutely ill children that need to be seen daily.

• Patients walking-in after 10 AM (or close to) will be offered a regular appointment later in the day.

The Triage Nurses are working hard to remain available to answer your questions regarding both acute illness in your child as well as routine child care. Over the last several weeks, our call volume has increased dramatically. Please note that all non-urgent calls (i.e., questions about routine vaccines, feeding issues, behavioral concerns) are being returned within 24 hours.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INFLUENZA AND FLU VACCINES