Schedule Your Flu Shot
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called trivalent vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when the CDC Adivosry Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine this season, it’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated.Those people include the following:
- People who are at high risk of developing serious complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu.
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
- Pregnant women.
- People younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.
- A complete list is available at – CDC WEBSITE
- People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications (see list above).
- Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
- Household contacts and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old.
- Health care personnel.
- More information is available at CDC WEBSITE
Flu vaccination should begin soon after vaccine becomes available, ideally BEFORE October. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.
Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so availability depends on when production is completed. Shipments began in late July and August and will continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed.
Hayden’s Pharmacy already has pre-booked and received their 2014-15 supply. Schedule your appointment online today or stop by our locations during the open flu shot clinic dates.
The amount of water a person should drink depends mostly on the individual weight and level of activity. The equivalent of eight glasses a day is recommended water intake for the average person. About 20 percent of this water comes from daily food intake. The rest should be obtained from water directly or other beverages. If you exercise strenuously or are overweight your need for water is greater. Keep in mind that sodas and other sugary drinks can also add unwanted calories. The human body is made up of 70% of water. People who live in areas at a high altitude, with high temperatures or in dry conditions, need more water. Drinking too little water can cause dehydration which occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater that the amount being put back in. When a person is dehydrated, he or she may develop muscle cramps and become light headed. Poor hydration can also result in older looking skin.
Walk-In Flu Clinic Dates
2020 dates TBD
2020 dates TBD
2020 dates TBD
2020 dates TBD
Walk-In flu shot clinics are based on a “First Come, First Serve” basis. We can bill your flue shot to: Medicare, Security Blue, and Freedom Blue. All others will cost $35.00 (the areas lowest flu shot price).
We HIGHLY recommend those wanting to guarantee a flu shot to book your appointment online as soon as possible. Individuals who schedule appointments will reserve their vaccine. This is based on flu shot availability by the manufacturer.
Step 1:
Choose from the available times listed on the clinic schedule.
Mondays – 2pm – 5pm
Wednesdays and Thursdays – 8am – 5pm
Fridays – 8am – 12pm
*Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes.
Step 2:
Complete the information form to the right