Henderson Health Care (HHC) has been administering the seasonal flu vaccine since October 1. Â With the holiday season approaching and the weather becoming colder, it is important to get your flu vaccine if you have not done so already.
Both the flu shot and the flu mist are being offered at HHC. The shot is approved for use among people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
The flu mist, a nasal spray, was approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2003. It is approved for use among “healthy†people aged 2-49 who are not pregnant.
The CDC recommends that people get their flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu, which is why you are encouraged to get vaccinated soon, before the flu season really gets underway.
The flu shot and nasal spray vaccines are available at the Henderson and Sutton Family Practice clinics, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning October 1. For your convenience, no appointment is necessary. The cost is $25, unless you are covered by Medicare.
