Influenza, or "the flu," is a viral infection which hits the United States each year generally between December and February. It can be largely prevented with the flu vaccine. Because the virus changes each year, the vaccine is remanufactured each year to cover the newly mutated strains. Occasionally the virus changes significantly from one year to the next. This is often associated with large worldwide outbreaks, called pandemics. Vaccination, while not 100% effective, is the best way to prevent the flu, which still kills a significant number of people each year, mostly over age 65 or with other medical conditions. We encourage all of our patients to discuss the flu vaccine with us and to consider receiving it. This year, the reports are that the vaccine will be plentiful and available on time. We have implemented an internet-based signup mechanism for those patients who would like to receive the vaccine. Click on the link below, complete the form and submit it. This will place you on our Flu Vaccine Notification List. As soon as we receive the vaccine, we will send you an email instructing you to call our office to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccine, please feel free to contact us. We have been informed that we should have the vaccine by the beginning of October. This is well in advance of the usual occurrence of the illness. We would like to vaccinate our high risk patients first, to be sure that they receive the vaccine.
Sign up for the Flu Vaccine Notification Program. Please select one or more of the links below to learn more: To learn more about the flu from the CDC. To learn more about the vaccine from the CDC. To learn more about the flu virus than you ever wanted to know.