According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, many of whom are also at high risk for complications from COVID-19.
Children younger than 5 years old–especially those younger than 2 years old–and adults older than 65 or who have chronic medical conditions are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. If your child is between the ages of 6 months and 8 years and this is their first season getting a flu shot, they will need two doses at least four weeks apart to be protected, so plan to start the vaccination process as soon as possible.
Your child should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in our community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.
2020 In-Office Flu Appointments
Weekday (Monday through Friday)
Call for availability at our Portsmouth and Hampton offices.
Weekend (Saturday/Sunday)
Currently our only availability for weekend flu appointments is at our Hampton location.
Sunday, November 1st, 8am-12:30pm
Some slots still available!
- Prepare your child ahead of time.
- All patients should wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothing; babies and toddlers will need to have lower extremities accessible.
- One caregiver per appointment slot capable of holding child(ren) during vaccination. Caregivers and patients >2yo should be masked for the duration of the appointment per office policy and Portsmouth city mandate. Please reschedule if you or your child is sick!
- If your child has a check-up scheduled, they may receive their flu shot at that visit, but please do not bring additional children to that appointment to receive their flu shots; instead, schedule a separate, brief flu vaccine visit for siblings to minimize exposure to our staff and your family.
