You do not need an appointment to discuss this with us, and you do not need a prescription from us. 

As a reminder:

Per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE):

Some children should be vaccinated, based on their age or medical problems. Other children, who don't meet these criteria, CAN STILL BE VACCINATED if their parent desires.

Because children in this age group have the highest rates of hospitalization due to Covid-19 illness (similar rates to adults over 65 yrs), they should be vaccinated.

• If they have never received a Covid vaccine:
•      they should receive 2 doses of vaccine, separated by at least 30 days
• If they have previously completed an initial series (2 doses of Moderna, or 3 doses of Pfizer):
•      they should receive 1 dose of this season's vaccine
• If they have an incomplete primary series, contact us for their recommendations

If they are in one or more of the following categories, it is very important that they get a yearly covid vaccine, and should get 1 dose:

• those at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to medical illnesses/conditions* (see below)
• residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
• those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
• children whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID-19 (including having infants in the home <2yrs old)
• Conditions that put someone at higher risk for severe Covid-19 illness:

1. Chronic pulmonary disease: Asthma/reactive airway disease, Chronic lung disease of prematurity, Compromised respiratory function (eg, abnormality of airway, tracheostomy, or ventilator dependent);
2. Cardiovascular disease: Congenital heart disease
3. Gastrointestinal disorders: Feeding tube dependent, Inflammatory bowel disease
4. Hepatic disease: Chronic liver disease
5. Hematologic disease: Sickle cell disease
6. Metabolic disorders: Diabetes mellitus
7. Obesity: BMI ≥ the 95th percentile in children
8. Neurologic and developmental conditions: Cerebral palsy, Epilepsy, Intellectual developmental disorder, Compromised mobility (eg, wheelchair dependent)
9. Immunosuppressive conditions: Receipt of immunosuppressive therapy, Primary immunodeficiency, HIV infection, Receipt of hematopoietic cell transplant or solid organ transplant
10. Rheumatologic, autoimmune disease: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 

• Children/Young adults age 2-21 who are not included in the risk groups above, but whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19, may receive a single dose of vaccine

***We are aware that the CDC has issued different guidelines, but these are not in agreement with the American Academy of Pediatrics. We will be following the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines--this is our most trusted source of medical data and guidance at this time.***

We believe that insurance companies will cover this vaccine. However, if your insurance does not cover the cost, then you will be responsible. For children 6mo-4yrs old, who are only approved for Moderna, the cost is $255. For children 5-11yrs old, who can get Pfizer, the cost is $155. 

 

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Influenza Vaccine (currently available in our office, able to be scheduled):

Who: Everyone 6 months of age and older

When: Ideally October, but anytime that works for you!

Notes:

If your child has had 0 or 1 prior dose of influenza vaccine, and they are 8 yrs old or younger, they will need 2 doses, separated by 1 month. Because of this, it is best to get them their 1st dose ASAP.

Anyone who has received 2 doses in their past, or is older than 8 yrs old will only need 1 dose.

We can also give parents their influenza vaccine, for a $50 charge, which may be reimbursed by your insurance company (but please check first!). 

Another option for flu vaccination:

Returning this year, is Flumist--a nasal vaccine that can be administered at home. This is available for people 2-49 yrs old, who meet certain medical criteria. You can go to their website and see if this is a good fit for your child.

Call to schedule your child's and your flu vaccine today!

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RSV immunization (available in October, able to be scheduled)

Who:

• all newborns/infants up to 7 months old, whose mothers did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or their vaccine was given <2 wks before delivery
• infants 8-19 months old who have underlying medical conditions, such as:
• chronic lung disease of prematurity that has required medical support at any time in the 6 months prior to October (oxygen, diuretics, steroids, etc)
• severe immunocompromise 
• certain patients with cystic fibrosis
• American Indian or Alaska native children
• undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

When: October

Please call us to schedule this vaccine for your infant, as we will be ordering doses based on demand.

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Newborn-5 months old--RSV 

6-7 months old--Influenza, Covid-19, RSV

8 months-23 months--Influenza, Covid-19, (RSV if in high risk groups)

2 yrs and older--Influenza, (Covid-19--should get if in high risk group, can get if desired otherwise)

Let's all have a healthy, safe fall/winter season. Get your vaccines soon!