Health Officials Recommend Flu Vaccine
Before End of November
October 31, 2016
Claire Ninde
San Juan Basin Health
(970) 335-2044
San Juan Basin
Health (SJBH) reminds residents that everyone six months and older should get a
flu vaccine by the end of November as flu activity can peak as early as
December. Yearly flu vaccines are the first and most important step in
protecting against influenza disease.
Flu is among the
most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of
people every flu season. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor
visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related
hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be
protected from flu, including older populations, very young children, pregnant
women, and those with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to
serious flu complications.
This season,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has two important updates for flu
vaccines:
·
Only
injectable flu vaccines should be used. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended
for use during the 2016-2017 season because of concerns about its
effectiveness.
·
Recommendations for those with egg-related
reactions have changed, with fewer restrictions on vaccine options than in the
past. Please see your provider if you have sensitivity to eggs to learn about
your options.
SJBH encourages
residents to receive their immunizations in their medical home with their
primary care provider. Flu shots are a preventive care benefit for both
children and adults covered under the Affordable Care Act and for most people
the immunization will be free. For more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits/.
SJBH has a limited
supply of specialized flu vaccine including high dose flu shots for seniors and
preservative free vaccine for pregnant women. Additionally, SJBH can provide
flu shots for eligible children and adults who qualify for federally supported
vaccines if they are unable to receive them from their primary care provider.
Durango - appointments available Tuesday through
Thursday. Call (970)247-5702 Monday – Friday, 8:30-4:30 to schedule an
appointment.
Pagosa
Springs - appointments
available the first Thursday of every month and during special flu clinics
offered in November and December. Call (970)264-2409 Monday – Friday, 8:30-4:30
to schedule an appointment.
San Juan Basin Health is a local public health agency,
governed by a seven member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La
Plata and Archuleta counties. For over 75 years, San Juan Basin Health has
improved the health and environment of the Southwest Colorado community.
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