Health department still offering free flu vaccine for children and teens

Only nasal spray version available at this time

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is still offering free flu vaccine for children and teens at its Medical Annex.

FluMist is the only type of flu vaccine being offered right now. This is an intranasal spray for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 19. FluMist is not suitable for children younger than 2 or children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma.

The department is currently out of the injectable vaccine but more is expected to arrive soon.

Parents do need to make an appointment to have a child vaccinated. The Immunization Clinic is at 4813 New Haven Ave. The clinic’s hours are Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Children under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents should also bring the child’s shot record. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is bringing the child to the Immunization Clinic, the adult must have authorized consent. The form must be signed and notarized and is available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.

Call (260) 449-7514 to make an appointment.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated for influenza as soon as it is available.  

Last year, two separate vaccines were recommended—an H1N1 vaccination, and a seasonal influenza vaccination. This flu season, only one influenza vaccination is necessary. However, children younger than 9 years old who are being vaccinated for the first time need a second dose four weeks apart to be protected.

For more information on preventing the flu, visit www.fighttheflu.org.

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