9/7/25
COVID-19 rates increased in the late summer. Federal guidance around the COVID-19 vaccines is incomplete at this time. ACIP, the committee that is meant to establish the recommendations that the CDC then issues, has not provided guidelines. Just this week, the state of Colorado moved to make COVID-19 vaccines more accessible by allowing pharmacies to administer the vaccines without a prescriptions. There is still uncertainty around insurance coverage for the vaccines. We have requested a supply of the vaccine but there is no indication so far that we will have it in the near future.
As a practice, we would like to be able to administer the vaccine to families who want it for their children. It appears that other offices and pharmacies are in the same bind and do not yet have the updated 2025-2026 COVID vaccines to offer.
We appreciate your patience as we do our best to navigate this uncertain landscape and provide the best possible care for your family. More updates to follow.
Influenza (The Flu) season typically starts between October and December and continues through the spring. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older with the strongest recommendation for kids under 5 years old or children, of any age, who have chronic health conditions like asthma or who may be immunocompromised.
- This season’s Influenza vaccine is now available in our clinic for all children/teens 6 months and older.
- We are holding weekend Flu Vaccine clinics on Saturday, September 20th and Saturday, October 4th from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.
- Weekday flu clinics are also available, call for dates and times.
- Additional clinics may follow based on demand. All clinics will be for influenza vaccines only. If you are interested in combining the flu vaccine with another vaccine, please schedule a nurse visit with our front desk.
- Flu vaccines will be offered to parents as well. Parents will need to provide an insurance card if they are not on the same insurance plan as their child. If parents are not insured or have a plan that is out of network, the cost for a flu vaccine will be $45
- Children 6 months through 8 years old may need a second dose of the flu vaccine 4 weeks after their first dose if:
- This is their first time receiving a flu vaccine OR
- They have only had 1 prior flu vaccine before this season.
RSV - A monoclonal antibody preventative treatment called nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) is available at HIP this year. We plan to begin administering nirsevimab in early October at well visits and scheduled nurse visits.
The following infants will be eligible for this Beyfotus:
- Infants below 8 months of age born during or entering their first RSV season (and whose mother was unable to get the RSV vaccine or the RSV vaccine was administered to their mother less than 14 days before birth)
- Children 8-19 months of age who have specific higher risk conditions.
You can find more information on nirsevimab here.
Staying Healthy in the cold and flu season
As we start school and approach the colder months, respiratory illnesses start to increase. How can we keep ourselves and our families healthy?
- It all starts with adequate sleep
- Ages 4-12 months: 12-16 hours (including naps)
- Ages 1-2 years: 11-14 hours (including naps)
- Ages 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps)
- Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
- Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours
- We know this is sometimes easier said than done. Starting with early enough and consistent bedtime routines is key.
- ending screen time at least 2 hours prior to sleep can make a big difference
- Routine, fun (this is key for sustainability) exercise in the morning or early afternoon. Exercise itself improves immune function and it also improves sleep…and better sleep leads to a more effective immune response to viruses and bacteria.
- Balanced nutrition: more whole foods and less processed/packaged foods.
- Consider a probiotic supplement: There are studies comparing placebo to probiotic in school age kids that show a reduction in missed school days and less upper respiratory symptoms and fever in the probiotic group. Jarrow Formulas and Garden of Life are two brands with 3rd party lab testing.