Top Ten Flu Questions
Answer:
WHEN WILL YOU BE GIVING FLU SHOTS?
Friday, October 19th 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26th 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For the general public, flu shots will be given out on special Friday flu clinics beginning October 19th and 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will take place in the Larkspur Room which is by the lower level parking lot. There should be ample parking with signs for additional overflow parking if that should be needed.
Parents who wish to get flu shots for their children are encouraged to schedule an appointment at our normal immunization clinics on Mondays by calling 247-5702.
Please check this website for additional times and updates or call our hotline 247-57012, ext. 1528 for further upcoming dates.
WILL THERE BE ANY SHORTAGE OF VACCINE THIS YEAR?
No shortage is expected this year; and the health department will be receiving 4000 doses this year for both La Plata and Archuleta Counties.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS THIS YEAR AS TO WHO CAN GET FLU SHOTS?
No, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get one as long as they are over six months of age and do not have any medical contraindications; e.g. allergy to eggs, previous reaction to a flu shot, Guillian Barre Syndrome, uncontrolled neurological condition, acute febrile illness, etc.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT?
Localized outbreaks of influenza or “flu” can occur as early as October but since 1976, 80% of influenza illness has occurred in January or later so vaccination efforts will continue throughout March, as long as we have vaccine. It takes two weeks after a flu shot for you to get the full protection from the vaccine so waiting until November or later is not usually a problem.
WHERE WILL YOU BE GIVING FLU SHOTS?
For adults (over 18 years old) we will be giving flu shots at sites in the community (senior meal sites) and at the health department. For children(less than 18 years old)flu shots will be administered at the health department by making an appointment for the regular immunization clinics.
WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR THE FLU SHOT?
It is $25 per shot unless you have Medicare Part B, Rocky Mountain Health Plan and you have your card with you at the clinic. We cannot bill Medicaid for adult flu shots your primary care physician must do this for you. We can bill Medicaid or CHP+ for children’s flu shots.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF A FLU SHOT?
This is a killed or inactivated vaccine, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, slight fever and body aches usually beginning soon after the shot and lasting only 1-2 days can occur.
WILL YOU BE GIVING ANY OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS AT THE FLU SHOT CLINICS?
Yes, we will also be giving pneumonia vaccine to those who are eligible. Pneumovax (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) is only recommended for persons 65 years of age or older or anyone with a long-term health problem such as: heart or lung disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver and persons who have a condition that lowers the body’s resistance to infection, such as: cancer, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, damaged or no spleen, organ transplant.
IF I HAVE HAD THE PNEUMONIA SHOT BEFORE, DO I NEED ANOTHER?
Usually one dose of pneumonia vaccine is all that is needed. A second dose is recommended for those people aged 65 and older who got their first dose before they were 65, if 5 or more years have passed since that dose. BRING ANY RECORDS YOU HAVE OF A PREVIOUS DOSE TO THE CLINIC.
Persons with the above medical conditions listed should also get a second dose if it has been 5 years or longer after the first dose. WE CANNOT ADMINISTER A PNEUMONIA SHOT TO ANYONE WHO DOES NOT MEET THIS CRITERIA; e.g cannot give a pneumonia shot every 5 years because your Dr. has recommended it. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF HE/SHE IS RECOMMENDING THE PNEUMONIA SHOT ON A DIFFERENT SCHEDULE THAN WHAT IS WRITTEN ABOVE.
WHAT IS THE CHARGE FOR A PNEUMONIA SHOT?
The adult pneumonia shot is $50.00 unless you have Medicare Part B, Rocky Mountain Health Plan, and you have your card with you at the clinic. MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR A SECOND DOSE ONLY IFYOU MEET THE ABOVE CRITERIA FOR RECEIVING A SECOND DOSE.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE PNEUMONIA SHOT?
About half of those who get the vaccine have very mild side effects, such as redness or pain where the shot is given. Less than 1% develop a fever, muscle aches, or more severe local reactions. Compared with the first dose of pneumonia vaccine, an increased rate of self limited local reactions has been observed with revaccination.