We can hardly believe it but it’s true…. Flu and COVID season is almost here.
Both the FDA and CDC have issued recommendations for everyone 6 months and older to receive an updated Flu and COVID-19 vaccine this Fall. Both viruses adapt and change all the time, which is why it’s important to get the most updated vaccine that protects against the most current version of the viruses. Since protection from the vaccines decreases over time, this season’s COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to keep yourself and your family healthy if your last dose was more than two months ago.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at Pediatric Associates of the Northwest
PANW will once again hold Saturday vaccine clinics for the whole family. We will offer both the Flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine at these clinics. The clinics will be held INDOORS (not drive-thru) for patient safety, due to the complexity of offering both types of vaccines, each with differing dosages depending on age. We recognize that many families prefer a drive-thru; we hope to be able to return to this format for future seasons!
In addition to Saturday vaccine clinics, patients who have upcoming well visits or follow-up appointments in the office can receive their Flu and COVID-19 vaccine at that visit once our supply has been delivered. Flu vaccine has started to arrive and we expect to start receiving our COVID vaccines within the next few weeks.
Accompanying parents and guardians may receive their vaccines at these visits as well. Please let us know at the time of scheduling or before the appointment so we can pre-register you and save you time when you arrive.
If you do not have an upcoming visit scheduled, we strongly encourage you to come to one of our Saturday vaccine clinics as appointments during the week will be very limited. Vaccines can also be found in the community at local pharmacies and health departments using vaccines.gov. For the best protection, it is recommended that families receive their vaccines by the end of October.
Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine
PANW will offer the following COVID-19 vaccines:
Age Group
COVID-19 Vaccine
Timing
6 months through 4 years
(2 separate doses needed, 1 month apart, if child has not been previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine)
Moderna
At least 4-8 weeks after last dose (dependent upon vaccine history)
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 and Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Dates and Locations in Portland and Tigard, Oregon
- Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location)
- Saturday, October 5th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location)
- Saturday, October 12th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location)
- Saturday, October 19th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location)
- Saturday, October 26th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location)
- Saturday, November 2nd from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location)
Scheduling Your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
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. Due to the high volume of families at these clinics and some patients needing extra comfort measures, please expect a wait. After checking-in, you will be asked to wait in line.
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.”
If I have recently been sick with COVID-19, should I still get the updated 2024-2025 COVID vaccine?
Yes, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended for those who have had a recent infection. However, you may wait 3 months to get the newest vaccine due to some natural immunity from the recent infection.
Who needs 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine instead of just 1 dose?
Children 6 months – 4 years old who have never received any COVID-19 vaccine will need 2 doses spaced at least 4 weeks (1 month) 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.
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, see the resources below:
