What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to
severe illness, and at times, can lead to death. Every year in the U.S. on average 5% to 20%
of the population gets the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu
complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is
estimated that from 1976-2007 annual influenza-associated deaths
from respiratory and circulatory causes ranged from 3,349 in 1986-
1987 to 48,614 in 2003-2004. The deaths from flu vary widely from
season to season. The number of deaths is closely related to the
particular types of flu viruses that circulate.
Strains expected to circulate in the U.S. for the 2010-2011
influenza season are:
Do I need a flu shot?
Each season the flu vaccine is modified to protect against the strains of influenza that will most
likely be circulating in the upcoming fall, winter and spring months. Influenza season can start
as early as October and most often peaks in January or February, and can last until April or
May. Since protective antibodies obtained from the flu vaccine wane over time, and different
influenza viruses circulate every year, it is important to get a flu shot every year. It takes
approximately two weeks for the body to build up protective antibodies after getting the flu
vaccine, and the protective antibodies last for about 12 months.
How much does the flu and pneumonia shots cost?
Flu shots will be given for a $30 charge at any of our clinics.
Pneumonia vaccine will be available for $60 at the Health Department offices only.
Medicare Part B is accepted unless enrolled in HMO or PPO with Medicare; if Medicare rejects
the claim, an invoice will be sent to the individual for payment. If the individual is enrolled in a
Medicare HMO or PPO plan, the provider should be contacted for administration of the vaccine.
Pediatric flu shots will be available during the clinic hours, by appointment.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to
severe illness, and at times, can lead to death. Every year in the U.S. on average 5% to 20%
of the population gets the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu
complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is
estimated that from 1976-2007 annual influenza-associated deaths
from respiratory and circulatory causes ranged from 3,349 in 1986-
1987 to 48,614 in 2003-2004. The deaths from flu vary widely from
season to season. The number of deaths is closely related to the
particular types of flu viruses that circulate.
Strains expected to circulate in the U.S. for the 2010-2011
influenza season are:
- A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) like virus
- A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2) like virus
- B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus
Do I need a flu shot?
Each season the flu vaccine is modified to protect against the strains of influenza that will most
likely be circulating in the upcoming fall, winter and spring months. Influenza season can start
as early as October and most often peaks in January or February, and can last until April or
May. Since protective antibodies obtained from the flu vaccine wane over time, and different
influenza viruses circulate every year, it is important to get a flu shot every year. It takes
approximately two weeks for the body to build up protective antibodies after getting the flu
vaccine, and the protective antibodies last for about 12 months.
How much does the flu and pneumonia shots cost?
Flu shots will be given for a $30 charge at any of our clinics.
Pneumonia vaccine will be available for $60 at the Health Department offices only.
Medicare Part B is accepted unless enrolled in HMO or PPO with Medicare; if Medicare rejects
the claim, an invoice will be sent to the individual for payment. If the individual is enrolled in a
Medicare HMO or PPO plan, the provider should be contacted for administration of the vaccine.
Pediatric flu shots will be available during the clinic hours, by appointment.
FLU SHOTS...available at both locations!
This year's vaccine protects against several types of flu expected to be prevalent this
season, which includes H1N1. After being vaccinated, it takes two weeks for the body
to build up protective antibodies. Flu shots are $30; Medicare Part-B and current Public
Aid card are also accepted.
season, which includes H1N1. After being vaccinated, it takes two weeks for the body
to build up protective antibodies. Flu shots are $30; Medicare Part-B and current Public
Aid card are also accepted.
Concerned whether it's just a cold or the flu, check out these FLU TIPS.