Phone: (610) 363-0100
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Text: (484) 729-9528
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Miserable. Dangerous. Contagious.
Together we can stop flu
before it starts.
TEXT FLU23
TO
(484) 729-9528
TO SCHEDULE YOUR SHOT
Text messaging is not fully secure and standard rates apply.
or call (610) 363-0100
NOW OFFERING
Walk-In Flu Shots
Seven days a week. Current patients only.
Note: Flu shots can also be administered at any regular office visit. Ask your provider for your shot before you leave!
Flu 2023 Situation Update
Last updated August 29, 2023
As we watch another early sick season arrive and a late-summer uptick in COVID cases, the flu shot is once again critical to staying well this fall.
The shot will help protect you, but also those around you who are unprepared to fight flu (babies, the elderly, the immunocompromised). Perhaps most importantly, the shot will make a case of flu so much more bearable should you happen to catch it.
COVID-19 is still around. Fortunately, thanks to vaccines and treatments, for most of us, COVID-19 is not life-threatening. However, "Flurona" (flu and COVID-19 at the same time) would really be unpleasant.
EVERY individual has to make the right choices to keep flu at bay this year:
Stay home if ill.
Maintain good handwashing practices.
Get a flu vaccine.
Your flu vaccine can be given along with any other vaccine including the COVID-19 booster, and the Shingles vaccine (everyone over 50 should have this).
Unfortunately at this time, there is no RSV/Flu/Covid combo vaccine on the horizon. The they will need to be administered individually. Each vaccine is safe, but the timing for each is different.
Flu Vaccine:
Who Should Get It: Anyone over 6 months old.
Myths: No, it does not cause the flu, nor is it a cash cow for providers or a government control mechanism.
Availability: We're offering flu shots now. Walk-ins welcome (current patients only, please) – see info below!
My advice: Get it. Period.
RSV Vaccine:
Who Should Get It: CDC's language is vague. It says older adults "MAY" consider it.
Cost: Quite high, at over $300 per dose. Medicare Part D covers it, but commercial insurance is a grey area.
My advice: Hold off until we have more concrete guidance.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
Options: Two coming soon - Novavax and mRNA Covid vaccines.
Last Year's Booster: Won't be useful.
Novavax: Not an mRNA vaccine but still highly effective with fewer side effects.
Cost: These vaccines are now privatized, so insurance coverage isn't clear.
My advice: Wait until later in the fall for utmost protection, especially since COVID-19 cases are expected to rise during winter.
In short:
Get the flu shot ASAP (best time Sept-Oct). For RSV, if you're over 60, consider but wait for more solid guidance from the CDC in late October. For COVID, skip last year’s booster and wait for the new one, even if traveling this fall.
Stay safe, stay informed, stay KIND, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!
READY TO
GET YOUR SHOT?
We're so glad.
Patients should call or text the office to schedule an appointment. Flu shots take about 10 minutes.
When is too early?
Once there are flu cases, flu season has begun and the sooner you are vaccinated, the better. We are never exactly sure when the ideal time is, but definitely mid-September to October is reasonable this year. And it is always better early or late, than never.
CAN'T FIND
THE TIME?
If you think you don't have time for your flu shot (10 minutes), you definitely don't have time for the flu. Current CDC recommendations have you staying home for 4-5 days. Can you afford that time?
Call us today. Get the shot.
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FLU23
TO
(484) 729-9528
TO SCHEDULE A SHOT
Text messaging is not fully secure and standard rates apply.
or call
(610) 363-0100
C
Christine Meyer, MD
Every year, I encounter dozens of patients who refuse a flu shot. In my career I've been able to successfully refute nearly every anti-flu shot argument using science, which often leads to a change of heart. Not always, but often.
Click through these slides to see some of the most common questions and rationales I hear for not getting the shot. If you're still not convinced, let's talk some more. I'm always eager to listen, learn, and try to ease your fears. I care about your beliefs, and I care about talking through them. The shot is the right thing to do, and it saves lives. You have the power to save lives. No matter what you believe, I believe in you.