A CDC study found that last year’s flu vaccine was only 23% effective, leading a few people to find preventive measures on their own.
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Health officials are encouraging people to go ahead and get their flu shots.
The cost of the flu vaccine is $17, although no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
In order to prevent yourself from getting sick or spreading the flu, health officials recommend washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, as well as staying home when you’re sick. Van Essen pointed out that about ten percent of the population come down with the flu, meaning nine of ten are vaccinated for little reason. Intramuscular vaccines are now available in both trivalent and quadrivalent forms, and all nasal and intradermal doses will be quadrivalent this year, according to background information from the CDC.
Professor Debra Lapthorne, centre director for Public Health England (PHE) South West, said: “If you have children aged two, three or four, or in school years 1 and 2, make sure you take up their free flu vaccination this season”.
Each year the influenza virus changes and it’s up to the World Health Organization to predict what will prevalent before the flu season strikes. “However the injection is also a very good way of protecting children against the flu”.
The goal of flu shots is to create a cocoon effect. “It’s especially important for people with chronic health conditions, healthcare workers, young children and people who work around children”.
The department will accept Medicare Part B, Anthem BC/BS, Connecticare, Cigna and Aetna, but not United Healthcare.
The Minute Clinic is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The flu season has historically taken place during the winter months of December through March.
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At Walgreens, the “Get a Shot”.
