It was just back-to-school and Halloween decorations have hit the stores, which can only mean one thing….Flu season is coming. PANW will again be holding Saturday vaccine clinics for the whole family. With the recent FDA authorization and CDC recommendation for updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, we will be offering both the Flu and new COVID-19 vaccine at these vaccine clinics. These will be INDOORs (not drive-thru) due to the complexity of offering both types of vaccines, each with differing dosages depending on age.
Patients who have upcoming well visits or follow-up appointments in the office can receive their Flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine at that visit once our supply has been delivered. Most of our flu vaccine has arrived and we expect to receive our COVID vaccines shortly. If you do not have an upcoming visit scheduled, we encourage you to come to one of our Saturday vaccine clinics as appointments during the week will be limited. For the best protection, it is recommended that families receive their vaccines by the end of October.
New COVID-19 Vaccine
As with many other viruses, the one that causes COVID-19 is always changing. We also know that protection from the vaccines starts to decline over time. This updated COVID-19 vaccine can boost protection against the most current variant and is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family if your last dose was more than 2 months ago. It is for everyone 6 months and older, even if you have received the bivalent booster.
PANW will be offering the following COVID-19 vaccines:
Age Group | COVID-19 vaccine | Timing |
6 months through 4 years | Moderna/Pfizer (depending on supply) | At least 4 weeks after last dose |
5 years through 11 years | Pfizer | At least 8 weeks after last dose |
12 years and older | Pfizer | At least 8 weeks after last dose |
Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Dates and Locations
Saturday, October 7th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location) – NOW FULL
Saturday, October 14th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location) – NOW FULL
Saturday, October 21st from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location) – NOW FULL
Saturday, October 28th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location) – NOW FULL
Update as of 10/9: With our Saturday vaccine clinics completely full now, we are offering a limited number of weekday, evening appointments at our Portland and Tigard locations. Please call to schedule.
Scheduling
Our vaccine clinics are by appointment only. Each family member who would like a vaccine needs to have their own appointment so we can prepare and plan our supply accordingly. Please note that our Saturday vaccine clinics are mass events with hundreds of patients a day. You will be asked to join the line upon arriving. Options for scheduling include:
- Call Our Office at (503) 968-3480
- Request An Appointment Through the Patient Portal
Once logged into the portal, click “CREATE MESSAGE” under the Messages heading. Select “Flu and/or COVID Vaccine Clinic Appointment” from the drop down menu. Fill out the form to tell us who you are requesting an appointment for and what vaccine(s) are needed, then click submit. You will be notified via a message response when your appointment(s) is scheduled.
Frequently -Asked Questions:
Who can schedule a Flu/COVID-19 vaccine appointment at PANW?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to patients and their immediate household family members 6 months – 64 years (we are not able to offer the high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 years and older). Family members with Kaiser insurance or Medicare will need to pay out of pocket as we are not able to bill these insurances. Additionally, we are not allowed to provide vaccines to those 19 years and older on Oregon Health Plan insurance. Patients can receive their vaccines at their local health department or designated Vaccine Access Program Provider.
Our providers at PANW strongly encourage everyone 6 months or older to get a Flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine as the primary method for protecting your family. It not only helps prevent the Flu and COVID-19, but also reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The American Academy of Pediatrics states “The best thing you can do to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated before influenza starts circulating in your community.”
Who needs 2 doses of the Flu vaccine instead of just 1 dose?
Children 6 months- 8 years old who have never received a Flu vaccine or who have previously received only 1 dose of the vaccine during their lifetime before the most recent July 1st will need 2 doses spaced at least 4 weeks apart. If your child receives their 1st dose at our Saturday vaccine clinics, their 2nd dose will be given either at their next well visit or as an immunization-only appointment in the office, depending on timing.
Will PANW have both the flu shot and nasal mist available?
Yes, we will have both the Flu shot as well as nasal mist available. Please note: the supply of nasal mist is very limited and is for patients 2 years and older.
What can PANW do to help those who get nervous with shots?
It is common to feel a little anxious when it comes to shots. Not to worry; we’ve got you covered! Our gentle and patient staff are specially trained in giving immunizations to little ones so you can feel confident that you are in good hands. We offer pain-reducing methods and distraction techniques like the Buzzy Bee and Shot Blocker so “pokes” are as comfortable and quick as possible.
For more information about the flu and the vaccine, see the resources below:
