Influenza, an illness caused by influenza viruses and often referred to simply as “the flu,” is nothing to sneeze at. While many people think of the flu only in terms of the symptoms it may cause—fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and/or body aches, and chills—influenza can be a very serious illness. In fact, it is estimated that on average each year in the United States 5–20% of the population gets the seasonal flu. Furthermore, on average, approximately 36,000 Americans die from influenza every year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a seasonal flu shot each year, since flu viruses are always changing.
This year, the VNA will be offering three different flu vaccines: a "regular" flu vaccine for individuals ten to sixty-four years old, a preservative-free vaccine also for individuals ten to sixty-four years old, and a "High-Dose" vaccine specifically designed for people sixty-five and older.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccine experts recommend that all people six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu. This differs from past recommendations, which focused on vaccination of persons at increased risk for complications from influenza or those living with or caring for persons at increased risk of complications.
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
Certain people should not get a flu shot, including those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs, those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, people who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously, and children younger than 6 months of age. Also, if you are moderately to severely ill, you should wait until you recover before getting vaccinated. If you have any question about whether or not you should receive the flu vaccine, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.
What is the Flu Vaccine?
You may remember that seasonal flu vaccine contains three different flu viruses in order to provide the best match with viruses expected to be in circulation during flu season. This year’s vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus—which caused the 2009 H1N1 pandemic—as well as two other flu viruses. Last year because the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged after production began on the seasonal vaccine, two separate vaccines were needed to protect against seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus. This year, only one vaccine is necessary. Note: people who got the 2009 H1N1 (pandemic) influenza vaccine, or had pandemic flu in 2009, should still get the 2010–2011 seasonal influenza vaccine. Remember, it may take up to two weeks after getting the flu vaccine to develop protection against the flu.
What is the High-Dose flu Vaccine?
The High-Dose flu vaccine is an injectable vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration that contains four times the amount of anitgen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in "regular" flu shots. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response (more antibody) in the person getting the vaccine and therefore better protection against the flu.
Why is a higher dose vaccine available for adults sixty-five and older?
Humane immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. Also, aging decreases the body's ability to elicit a good immune response after influenza vaccination.
How Can the VNA Help You "Shoo the Flu?"
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Traditional Medicare
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Medicare Railroad
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Medicare Replacement Plans Including:
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AARP Medicare Complete
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Advantra Freedom
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Health First Health Plans
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Humana
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Quality Health Plans
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Secure Horizons
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United Healthcare
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UniversaHealthcare
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Health First Health Plans
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TRICARE
For others, the cost for a "regular" and preservative-free flu shot is $25 and the High-Dose shot is $45.
All proceeds from the program help the VNA to provide charitable home health and hospice care throughout our community.
How Do I Locate or Arrange to Host a Clinic?
For a complete list of our upcoming flu vaccintion clincs, or to schedule a clinic for your organization, please click on the appropriate box at the top of this page.
Want to Learn More About the Flu?
Answers to most of your flu-related questions can be found at www.flu.gov, the official US Government flu website. Additional information is available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
