Flu Shot vaccine delay's

Dear patients, families, and friends.

Our FLU vaccine has been delayed, again.  Unfortunately, this is a nationwide delay from manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur.  The new expected shipment date is now the week ending 9/29/2023, pushing us into October. 

Please disregard previous emails with dates/times as we will adjust these as soon as we have shipping confirmation.   

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) researches and provides seasonal updates and recommendations for best practices and Timing of Vaccination for Flu vaccines.  It is their recommendation for the 2023/2024 season, vaccination should be offered during September or October and not before.   While we can understand that you may be anxious to get your flu vaccine, we strongly encourage you to wait for the FLUBLOK vaccine.  We are confident that if you are vaccinated by the end of October, you’ll be covered at the height of the Flu season.

Should you elect to get your Flu vaccine elsewhere, it is important to KNOW WHAT YOURE GETTING.  There are several brands/formulas of influenza vaccine that each work differently.  Pinon Family Practice provides FLUBLOK vaccine.  FLUBOLK is Recombinant vaccine (synthetically manufactured to include influenza gene) which is very different than the Egg-based and Cell Culture-based Flu vaccines commonly provided by pharmacies.  Pinon has chosen FLUBLOK vaccine for over 6 years, in the best interest of our staff, patients and community because it has 3x the antigen and is noted to be at least 43% more effective than other brands.  Additionally, FLUBLOK is egg-free and preservative-free.

 If you choose to receive your vaccine elsewhere, it is important for us to know that you have been vaccinated and have documentation of that in your medical chart!  Please send us a patient portal message with the vaccination details including date, type of vaccine (brand) and where you received it so we can update your medical record.

 Thank you for trusting us as your healthcare partner!  We look forward to seeing you in October!  Please check for an email update or refer to our website for updates on Walk-in Flu Shot Clinics.

 Pinon Family Practice

Amy Patterson