Getting Vaccinated

Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body

There are two types of vaccines available:

• A flu shot is a vaccine made with inactivated or killed virus that is administered with a needle. It is approved for use in people older than six months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. There are three flu shots being produced for the United States market right now.
  • The regular seasonal flu shot is “intramuscular” which means it is injected into muscle (usually in the upper arm). It has been used for decades and is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. Regular flu shots make up the bulk of the vaccine supply produced for the United States.
  • A hi-dose vaccine for people 65 and older which also is intramuscular. This vaccine was first made available during the 2010-2011 season.
  • An intradermal vaccine for people 18 to 64 years of age which is injected with a needle into the “dermis” or skin. This vaccine is being made available for the first time for the 2011-2012 season.
• A nasal spray is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for healthy people age 2 to 49 who are not pregnant. People who have asthma, diabetes or other long-term health problems should not receive FluMist.
   

Who should get vaccinated?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in 2010 for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it is especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications: 

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 65 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from 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)

Who should not get vaccinated?

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

When to get vaccinated?

Yearly flu vaccination should begin as soon as the vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season which can last as late as April or May. This is because the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. While flu season can begin early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later.

Where to get vaccinated?

Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is now offering flu vaccine for children and teens at its Immunization Clinic. Both the injection and nasal spray variety is available while supplies last. Parents do need to make an appointment to have a child vaccinated.

The Department of Health has the traditional flu shot for children and teens ages six months through 18 years. Along with the thimerosal-free injectable vaccine, the Department of Health also has an intranasal spray for healthy children ages 2 through 18.  The nasal spray, FluMist, is not suitable for children younger than 2 or children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma.

The Immunization Clinic is at the department’s Medical Annex, 4813 New Haven Ave. The clinic’s hours are Tuesdays, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.  Call (260) 449-7504. 

Children under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian (with appropriate consent). Parents should also bring the child’s shot record. There is an administration fee of $9 per vaccine.

Super Shot

Super Shot has injectable seasonal flu vaccine that is suitable for children ages six months through 18 years. The organization also has FluMist, recommended for healthy children ages two to 18 years of age. 

Super Shot encourages parents and guardians to think ahead as we approach flu season, which can occur anytime from November through April. Getting the vaccine early can provide children with immunity from the flu virus during the holiday season when we are more likely to have contact with people who may be infected with the virus. 

The flu vaccine and Flu Mist are currently available at all clinic sites. Parents are required to bring their child’s shot record. No appointments are necessary

Super Shot—a non-profit, non-governmental program—operates an independent reduced cost immunization program ($8 per shot though no one is turned away for inability to pay; Medicaid accepted) that serves children in Allen and surrounding counties with family friendly hours and convenient locations. Last year, 17,377 children received 48,646 immunizations through this program. Have questions about Super Shot locations? Call (260) 424-7468 or view the Super Shot clinic schedules at www.supershotinc.org. 

RediMed

Flu shots are available for anyone age 4 and older through the urgent care clinics while supplies last. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Children between the ages of 4 and 8 who have not received a flu shot previously will need two injections 30 days apart.

A limited supply of flu shots for children ages 6 months to 3 years are also available while supplies last. Parents interested in taking advantage of this opportunity are asked to call the nearest RediMed to inquire about the availability of these shots.

Children in this age range who have not previously received a flu shot will also need two injections 30 days apart.

The four RediMeds across northeastern Indiana are distributing seasonal flu shots on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not necessary. The cost of a flu shot is $25 per injection and may be billed to the recipient’s insurance.

Visit RediMedClinics.com for a list of RediMed urgent care clinics and hours of operation.

RediMed also has pneumonia shots available for $84 per injection, which may also be billed to the recipient’s insurance.