Flu Shot Information and Prevention

Flu Shot Questions

• How much does a flu shot cost?
  The cost of the adult vaccine for ages 9 and older is $32. Children’s vaccine prices vary by dosage.
• Does Wichita Clinic file health insurance and Medicare for these shots?
  Yes. Medicaid patients must be an established patient of a Wichita Clinic primary care physician.
• Why should I get a flu shot?
  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 shot?
  Scientific studies show that the effectiveness of the flu shot ranges from 70%-90% in healthy people younger than age 65 when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those found in the vaccine. The vaccine helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from flu-related causes.
• When is the best time to get a flu shot?
  If you get the flu vaccine too early you run the risk of decreased effectiveness in a late flu outbreak. October and November are the best months for healthy individuals to get vaccinated, but even December is not too late. (Individuals who are in a high risk category may want to talk to their physician about getting their flu vaccination earlier.) The flu vaccine takes 2 to 3 weeks to become effective in your body and typically lasts approximately 3 months.
• Who should get a flu shot?
  Anyone who is six months or older benefits from the protection of a flu shot. Check with your physician about allergies or other medical conditions that might prohibit you from receiving the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the following individuals be among the first to get vaccinated each year because they are at high risk of serious flu complications.
• Anyone age 50 or older.
• People of any age who have ever had a heart attack, heart disease, lung disease (asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis), diabetes, HIV, blood disorder, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.
• Children age 6 months and older until their fifth birthday.
• People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• People who have health problems that make it difficult to breathe or swallow.
• Healthcare workers and people who care for or live with anyone in a category listed above.
• 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. (The CDC is currently reviewing these age guidelines so check their web site at www.cdc.gov/flu for updated information or discuss the age range with your physician.)
  
  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)
  Greg Rockers, RPh - Pharmacy Manager, Wichita Clinic

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