Flu Information and Prevention

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Questions

• How much does a seasonal flu vaccine cost?
  The cost of the adult injectable flu vaccine for ages 9 and older is $34.
  The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is $50.75. Children’s vaccine prices vary by dosage.
• Does Wichita Clinic file health insurance and Medicare for these vaccines?
  Yes. Medicaid patients must be an established patient of a Wichita Clinic primary care physician.
• Why should I get a flu vaccination?
  It’s the best way to protect yourself from the flu. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approximately 36,000 people die from flu-related causes in the U.S. each year.
• How effective is a flu vaccination?
  The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu shot and the nasal-spray vaccine are effective at preventing the flu. The vaccine helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from flu-related causes.
• When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?
  The CDC recommends vaccination throughout the flu season. The majority of adults have protection against the flu virus within 2 weeks of vaccination.
• Who should get a flu vaccination?
  In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
  
  Vaccination during the 2009-10 flu season is recommended for:
  • Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.  Ask your physician if you are unsure if you fall into this group but this can include people who have:
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • HIV
  • People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
• What is the nasal spray flu vaccine?
  This vaccine is sprayed into a person’s nose instead of being given as a shot. It is a viable alternative for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant.
  
• Where can I find more information about flu vaccinations?
  There are several websites that provide good information about the flu and benefits of the flu vaccine. They include:
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • Google Flu Trend
  • US News and World Report article Flu Shots Lower Risk of Blood Clots

NOTE: You may also want to check with your physician about other vaccines that can be given in conjunction with the flu shot for pneumonia and shingles.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Updated 12/2/09

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