Flu FAQs
WHEN WILL YOU BE GIVING FLU SHOTS?
San Juan Basin Health Department will begin providing flu shots in October initially targeting our elderly population at a series of on-site clinics. The Health Department's public flu clinics will begin on October 30th with our Boo to Flu clinic, open to all ages, in Durango and Bayfield. Our FluLine 247-5702, ext. 2010 will have updates.
WILL THERE BE ANY SHORTAGE OF VACCINE THIS YEAR?
No shortage is expected this year.
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 $14.70 this year (2010) per shot thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies. There is no charge if 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.
IS THERE A GOOD FACTSHEET OR WEBSITE?
Click here for factsheet from the Immunization Action Coalition. Visit myflushot.gov
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?
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.