Influenza season is approaching and it is an important and effective prevention strategy to get a flu shot.
Influenza season generally begins in November and ends in March. It is best to get your flu shot in October or November so the protection offered by the vaccine carries you through to the end of flu season. Getting the vaccine too soon in the season may leave you unprotected in the later months.
The injection is the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which is designed to protect against four different flu viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses, and is for ages 6 months to 49 years. Flublok, for ages 50-64 years and High Dose, for ages 65+, also protect against four different flu viruses. Flu mist is not available.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all people 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. It is especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated because of their increased risk for influenza-related complications. Pregnant women can get vaccinated during any trimester, including the first. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu.
At Winneshiek Medical Center, influenza vaccines will be available through an appointment, though walk-ins will be accepted as the vaccine schedule allows. (If you have a scheduled appointment for another reason, you may also get a flu shot at that time.) Flu vaccine charges will be submitted to your insurance. For more information or to request an appointment for your influenza vaccine from Winneshiek Medical Center, call 563-382-2911.
