For many parents, navigating back-to-school is very different this year. Whether your family is distance learning from home, in-person at school, or somewhere in between, it is important to keep children up-to-date on immunizations. By not delaying immunizations, children can be better protected against preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox, especially if they have a weakened immune system.
Recommended Immunizations
Network pediatricians, family medicine doctors, and Sutter Walk-In Care clinicians are available to administer immunizations, including:
- Influenza (flu)Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Meningococcal Conjugate
- Polio
- Tdap or Td
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Find out when checkups, screenings and immunizations are generally recommended at every age by reading our Health Maintenance Guidelines.
Three Ways to Access Immunizations
- Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician
- Go to Sutter Walk-In Care, no appointment necessary, or book an appointment online
- Visit a network pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS (call ahead to check availability)
Most Sutter Health Plus network medical offices and Walk-In Care locations are open and taking extra steps to help keep members safe by screening staff and patients for symptoms, requiring face masks and sanitizing equipment and surfaces. Although immunizations must be administered in person, members may also choose to contact their primary care provider (PCP) or schedule a video visit through My Health Online to discuss care options.
Flu Shots
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get an annual flu immunization. Ideally, you should get a flu shot in September or October. Flu immunizations will be especially important this season to help avoid more surges of respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sutter Health Plus covers the Influenza vaccine for routine use as recommended by the CDC when accessed through a participating provider.
