鈥楾is the season for a flu shot
By Suzanne Gibson
Have you been thinking about getting a flu shot? Now is the time as fall marks the
beginning of flu season. According to the Shelby County Health department, everyone
who does not have a contraindication (for example an allergy to eggs) should get a
flu shot as soon as possible. From children to young adults to senior citizens鈥攅veryone
is at risk of complications from the flu. Therefore, getting vaccinated is highly
recommended for most healthy individuals over six months of age.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 flu vaccine is now widely available in retail pharmacies and physicians鈥� offices, and there is no reason to wait to get a shot,鈥� says Joan Carr, public information officer, Shelby County Health Department. 鈥淲e become concerned that if people wait, they may get busy or forget and not get the shot, so they are left unprotected during the height of the season.鈥�
Most insurance plans offer 100 percent coverage for the cost of a flu shot, which means no copay for many individuals, regardless of where they get vaccinated. The SCHD expects to provide no-cost vaccines in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for updates.
For Southwest faculty and staff who are enrolled in ParTNersforHealth, more information about flu vaccines can be found at: .