Announcements
	Concerning influenza immunizations this year, patients will need 2 doses of the H1N1 swine flu one month apart to be protected. The season flu shot and the swine flu shot can be given at the same time if in stock, then repeated in month if in stock. Children who are 9 years and under will need 2 vaccinations one month apart of each vaccine if they have never had any flu vaccine before. Children that have had one seasonal flu shot previously will only need one seasonal flu vaccine (either shot or mist) but will still need 2 H1N1 vaccines (whether shot or nose drops.) The seasonal flumist and the swine flumist cannot be given together as the shots can, but must be given one month apart. Call to make an appointment when we have it in stock, as per this e-mail site informs you daily if any changes occur. Thanks! Influenza immunization update for Friday, November 6, 2009. Today, we have 105 seasonal Flumist doses for privately insured patients and 12 doses for Medicaid/fee for service/uninsured patients. We have 35  doses of swine Flumist from the State of TX for for Medicaid/uninsured patients, but none for privately insured patients.  We have no seasonal  flu shots (injections) for privately insured patients, but we have 11 seasonal flu injections for 3 years and over and 18 seasonal flu injections for 6 months to 3 years from the State of TX for Medicaid/uninsured/underinsured/fee for service patients for ages patients. We have no swine flu shots today for any patients. There is a severe shortage of seasonal flu shots (not Flumist, but injections) for children 3 yrs and above. We probably will not be able to get any more seasonal flu shots for privately insured patients. Some pharmacies, however, may still have some, as may the city of Houston health department. We do  expect more swine flu shots/mist next week for all patients as the government deliveres upon their promised orders, allbeit late. Each weekday, I will update you daily at 10AM.  Please note that TEXAS STATE vaccines are BY LAW only allowed to be given to patients whose private insurance does not cover vaccinations. If you have insurance, but it doesn't cover vaccines, then you are allowed to get the TX STATE vaccines as well. Also please remember that Flumist vaccines are only to be used for healthy patients 2 to 50 years of age and over who have no history or asthma or chronic illness, and cannot be given when a patient has a cold or sore throat.  Stay tuned for daily updates and have a good Friday and weekend! Stay safe.  Norris Payne, M.D. Name change alert!  Our newest physician, previously Dr. Haren, got married this summer to Mr. Joshua Baker and has recently changed her name from Dr. Haren to Dr. Haren-Baker, or simply Dr. Baker. So when you see Dr. Baker listed under Payne Pediatrics, this is the physician you may have previously known as Dr. Haren. Congratulations and many happy returns for the newlyweds! Our newest physician, Dr. Rachel Haren-Baker, M.D. originated from Central Texas and received her undergraduate education at University of North Texas in Denton. She went on to receive her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and stayed at UTMB to complete her pediatric residency training. Dr Haren continued working at University of Texas Medical Branch for an additional year as the pediatric chief resident and associate professor before joining Payne Pediatrics. Dr Haren-Baker is married to Joshua Baker who supervises a property management and development company. Dr Haren-Baker enjoys hiking, reading, and cheering for the Astros. Each physician at Payne Pediatrics is always happy to see new patients! We treasure the opportunity to meet new families, develop caring relationships and provide the best care possible for each family. New families are always welcome at Payne Pediatrics! We are all here to make your life happier, healthier and to assist you in living life to the fullest. For your convenience, we have extended our office hours to be open from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday. We do not close for lunch. We are open Saturdays from 8:30 until noon. We hope this will save you some ER visits! Many employers do not provide insurance for children in Texas, and many employees have been laid off in this difficult economic environment. We now offer a discounted, reasonable pay-as-you-go plan for those without insurance. For example, a sick visit up to 20 minutes is only $65! Please call for a detailed fee schedule. We think you'll be very pleased! Dear Patient, You may e-mail your doctor securely and privately here at any time. Your doctor will read and return your e-mail within 24 hours. No more phone tag!