Skip the Phone Call, Book Your Child's Flu Shot Online! (Coming Soon!)
We Know, We Know, It's Still Summer.
Nobody wants to think about flu season while the pool is still open. But the best time to prepare is before flu season starts, so grab your lemonade and let us tell you about something new that's going to make your life easier this fall.
Introducing
Patient
Access
Now
We're thrilled to launch
Patient
Access
Now, our new online scheduling program that lets you book your child's appointment on your time, without the phone call. We're kicking things off with flu shot clinics!
You may have noticed something familiar:
P.A.N. stands for
Patient Access Now, inspired by our name, Pediatric Associates at Northwoods. Same initials, same commitment to your family.
We're proud to be part of
Affiliated Pediatric Practices' Year of Innovation drive, and we created Patient Access Now as one more way to bring your family better care and a better experience!
How It Works
1. Download Patient Gateway, our patient portal app to your phone or tablet.
2. Talk to our front desk. They will send you a link to get started. This link expires very quickly so do this when you have a moment to do the next step.
3. Click the link and create your password. Bingo! You’re in!
Why the Flu Shot Matters
The flu isn't just a bad cold. Young children, especially those under 5, are at the highest risk for serious complications like pneumonia and hospitalization.
According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, the 2024–2025 flu season was the most severe for children in years:
• More than 260 children died from the flu
• About 44% of those children had no underlying health condition
• 90% of vaccine-eligible children who died were not fully vaccinated
In the best years, the flu shot prevents the flu entirely. When the match isn't perfect, vaccinated children are still far less likely to be hospitalized or die from the flu.
🔥 Hot Off the Press
A landmark study published in
Pediatrics (July 2026) analyzed every pediatric flu death in the U.S. over nearly a decade, 1,234 children in all. The flu vaccine was 80% effective at preventing death overall, and 87% effective among children with no underlying conditions.
A Word About Egg Allergies (Your Child's Flu Shot Just Got an Upgrade)
You may not know this, but flu vaccines have traditionally been grown in eggs. While this was perfectly safe, even for kids with egg allergies, we know that never quite stopped some parents of egg-allergic kids from worrying. So in the spirit of doing things better, this year we're switching to Flucelvax, a newer cell-based flu vaccine with no eggs involved, taking that worry off the table.
And no, it's not an mRNA vaccine. It works the same way as the flu shots your kids have always gotten, just grown differently. In fact, cell-based manufacturing is already used to make many of the vaccines your child has received, including polio, rotavirus, chickenpox, and hepatitis A. Flucelvax simply brings the flu vaccine up to speed.
This isn't brand-new technology. Cell-based flu vaccines have been used in Europe since 2007. Beyond removing the egg question entirely, studies show they may be a little more effective. A small upgrade that could make a real difference in keeping your child healthy!
Ready to Get Started?
Call our front desk today to get your portal invitation, and you'll be set up in Patient Access Now in no time. As soon as the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health ships the vaccines, our Flu Shot Clinic Scheduler will show clinic dates. We are so excited and cannot wait to hit the button!
Enjoy the rest of your summer. We've got flu season covered. ☀️
Because at Pediatric Associates at Northwoods,
Patient Access isn't just our program, it's our promise.
Now.
