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Larimer County Health
Department announces 2007-2008 flu shot clinics
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment will begin
administering flu vaccine to adults and children at its immunization
clinics in Loveland Oct. 15.
Flu vaccine will be given at the regularly scheduled immunization
clinics at all three Larimer County Health Department sites, including
Loveland. No appointment is necessary.
Loveland
205 East 6th Street
679-4580
There are no clinics held the first Wednesday of each month.
Monday: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - noon
Weds: Second Wednesday of each month, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
On Wednesday, November 14 only, the immunization clinic in Loveland will
extend its hours and be open from 2:30 pm until 6 pm.
Flu shots
at all Health Department sites will be $30 for adults. There is a
limited supply of FluMist vaccine (live virus nasal spray) which costs
$36. Flu vaccine for children 18 and under is $14.50 through the
federal Vaccines for Children program.
The Health Department accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and Secure Horizons
and fees can be adjusted for low-income. Payment can be made with cash
or check. The Health Department does not accept credit cards.
Persons at high risk for complications of the flu should try to receive
the vaccine by the end of November.
According to Health Department officials, there will be no shortage of
vaccine this year throughout Larimer County.
“A record supply of flu vaccine will be available this year. There are
more licensed vaccine manufacturers and more vaccine being produced than
ever before,” said Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, the Health Department
director. “With up to 130 million doses available, and many providers
offering it at convenient times, it should be relatively easy for anyone
who wants a flu shot to get one this year.”
Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications
of the flu. About 40,000 people die each year from these complications.
LeBailly stressed that one of the best ways to be protected is to get a
flu vaccination each year.
“Mid-October through December is a great time to get the vaccine so that
you are protected if the flu arrives early,” LeBailly said. “However,
if you haven’t been vaccinated by January, it’s still not too late if
the flu hasn’t yet ended in your community.” On average the peak of flu
season is February, but it can range from as early as November to as
late as May.
This year, Health Department officials are stressing the importance of
flu shots for women who will be pregnant during flu season, as well as
parents or household members of children under 6 months of age. “It has
been shown that women who contract the flu while pregnant are at higher
risk of serious complications,” said LeBailly. Infants cannot be
vaccinated before 6 months, so it’s also important that the parents,
other household members, and child care providers are vaccinated so they
don’t transmit flu to the baby.
Flu vaccination is recommended for:
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People 50 years old and
older, especially those over 65.
-
Residents of long-term
care facilities
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People with long-term
health problems such as heart and lung diseases and muscle or nerve
disorders.
-
Women who will be
pregnant during influenza season
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All children aged 6
months – 59 months old
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Household contacts and
caretakers of children from newborn – 59 months old.
-
Physicians, nurses,
family members or anyone else in close contact with people who would
suffer severe consequences of influenza (such as elderly and immune
compromised)
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Anyone else who wants to
reduce their chance of getting influenza.
Flu vaccination is encouraged for:
·
People who live in close quarters with many other people,
such as dormitories and other residential groups
·
People who are traveling to the tropics at any
time of year, or to the southern hemisphere from April to
September.
If you are unsure whether a flu vaccine is right for you, talk to your
health care provider. For more information, call the
Flu Hotline at 970-498-6706, or go to
www.larimer.org/health or
www.healthinfosource.com |
