One Shot to Skip the Flu

Want some advice? Get the flu shot this year. One shot to skip the flu.

No one likes to get sick – especially with the flu. Don’t let this illness wreck your holiday plans or keep you out of work. Influenza, or flu, is a serious disease, and flu season starts as early as October and can last as late as May.

The flu is very contagious and can cause mild to severe symptoms, sometimes resulting in hospitalizations. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.

There are a few things you can do to protect you and your family. The most important step you can take is to get your flu shot early! Schedule an appointment with your closest health center and get vaccinated today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over 6 months of age or older should get a flu shot, which can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu.

Once you get your flu shot, take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.

What is the flu shot?

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Beyond standard doses, the Health Department also offers high-dose (recommended for ages 65 and older) and FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine that can be administered to anyone ages 2 through 49.

Where can I get the flu shot?

Flu vaccines are available at all Health Department locations. Find your closest location and get your shot today!

Who should get the flu shot?

Everyone 6 months or older should get the flu shot each year. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza.

When should I get the flu shot?

As soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.  Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial.

How much does the flu shot cost?

• Quadrivalent Flu – $30
• Flumist (2- 49 yrs) – $30
• High Dose Flu (65 yrs+) – $65
• FluBlok (18 yrs+) – $65