Loup Basin Public Health Department

It’s not too late.

Who should get vaccinated……?

Families – Families are great at sharing. This is usually a good thing except for when it comes to the flu. By making sure everyone in your family gets vaccinated, flu won’t be one of the things your family shares this season.  Flu vaccination is important for pregnant women, children, and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age. This is necessary because, by getting a flu shot during pregnancy, moms-to-be can reduce the risk of influenza for themselves and their baby after he or she is born. Children of all ages are at increased risk of influenza illness. Getting the flu can cause them to miss school and activities, and sometimes result in hospitalization or worse, even death.

People with Certain Chronic Medical Conditions – People with certain chronic medical conditions are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications. These high-risk conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, neurological disorders, blood disorders, morbid obesity, HIV or AIDS, and cancer. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are a few examples of flu-related complications. The flu can also worsen chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and a flu infection can cause blood sugar to fluctuate uncontrollably in people with diabetes.

Employees – Many adults spend the majority of their waking hours at work, and flu can spread rapidly through an office or workplace causing illness and lost productivity. People working in health care settings are among those at greatest risk of getting and spreading flu, often to vulnerable populations.  Protecting employee health protects the bottom line.

Older Adults (65+) – People age 65 and older are at increased risk for complications from flu and should get a yearly flu shot. People 65 years of age and older have some of the highest rates of hospitalization and death as a result of influenza infection. Vaccination is the best protection for older adults against influenza and influenza-related complications.

Young Adults (19-24) – Young adults were hit particularly hard by the H1N1 flu virus that caused so much illness last flu season. This virus is expected to continue circulating during the 2010-2011 flu season, along with other influenza viruses. Once infected, young adults may spread flu to friends and family who are at high risk of flu complications. Vaccination is important for their health and for the health of those around them.

Pregnant women – Pregnant women with influenza are at increased risk of developing serious complications, including hospitalization and death.  They can be vaccinated during any trimester.  Changes in the immune, cardiac, and pulmonary systems during pregnancy make a pregnant woman more prone to severe illness from the flu. This risk also extends at least 2 weeks postpartum regardless of pregnancy outcome. Because flu vaccines can’t be given to infants younger than 6 months, protecting the mother could also protect the baby by preventing an infected mother from spreading flu to her baby following delivery.

Loup Basin Public Health Department is offering influenza vaccine to anyone carrying insurance.  All other adults over 18 can be vaccinated for $30.00.  Please call Loup Basin for times and locations.  Business owners can schedule a worksite clinic for 10 or more interested employees.  Call 1-866-522-5795 for more information.