Flu Shots Salt Lake Valley Health Department -
www.slvhealth.org
Who should get a flu shot?
The flu shot is recommended every fall for:
- people age 50 or older
- women who will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during flu season
- residents of long-term care facilities
- people younger than 50 who have medical problems such as heart or lung disease (including asthma),
diabetes, kidney disease, or an immune system weakened by disease or medication
- those who work with or live with any of these individuals
- healthy children from 6 to 23 months of age.
Children less than 9 years of age who receive vaccine for the first time need a booster dose one month after the first dose.
Parents should check with their health care provider to discuss annual influenza vaccination of healthy children.
top
What are some facts about the use of vaccines?
Vaccine myths.
How much does a flu shot cost?
Immunization fees.
What are the facts about flu nasal sprays?
The FDA recently approved a new nasal spray influenza vaccine (Flu Mist) for healthy persons aged 5-49 years of age.
Not all clinics will have the new vaccine. Check with the Public Health Center located near you. The numbers are listed below. top
How serious is the flu?
Some groups of people are more likely to become seriously ill from influenza and should get the influenza vaccine in October or November.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) influenza causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations each year in the
United States. More than 90 percent of deaths occur among people age 65 and older. Utah’s flu season typically runs from November through
March with most cases occurring in January and February. Health care providers are encouraged to continue vaccinating through December or later,
as long as vaccine is available. It takes about two weeks to develop protection. top
Do antibiotics work to treat flu symptoms?
Antibiotics ARE NOT effective against the flu and misusing them can lead to stronger, more resistant bugs. Talk to your health care provider
about using over-the-counter medicines like decongestants, cough-syrups, and pain relievers to reduce flu symptoms.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Utah Department of Health, Flu Vaccine Locator.
Please call or visit any SL Valley Public Health Center, contact your health care
provider, a community nursing services, or call the Utah Immunization Hotline at 1-800-275-0659.
For the 2005-06 influenza season, the SLVHD prescheduled flu vaccination clinics will take place only on the following dates:
- Saturday, October 15th 9 am to 4 pm (for high risk individuals only)
- Saturday, October 29th 9 am to 4 pm (general population)
- Saturday, November 5th 9 am to 4 pm (general population)
If I am feeling ill should I get a flu shot?
If you are sick enough to go to the doctor, probably not. If you are barely showing symptoms it might be wise to wait a couple of days before deciding to go in for a flu shot.
top |
