The latest flu vaccine protects against the three main seasonal flu strains that, according to research, will cause the most illness this year. These strains are not related to H1N1, or swine flu.
Update: H1N1 or swine flu vaccine
This year's flu vaccine, including vaccine we will provide at our Drive-Thru Flu Shot event, is the standard flu vaccine and does not include the H1N1, or swine flu, vaccine. Your primary care physician can provide the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. For more information, visit Centers for Disease Control 2009 H1N1 Flu.
Annual flu shot event
At our annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot event Saturday, October 31, we dispensed our entire supply of free seasonal flu shots, a total of 3,598. To those who waited in line without receiving a flu shot, we sincerely apologize.
When to get vaccinated
The best time to get vaccinated is October or November. If you wait until December or later, you will still be protected against the flu. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccination to provide protection. Although our flu season generally peaks between late December and early March, it can last as late as May.
Who should get vaccinated
People who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends certain people get vaccinated, including:
- Children six months up to their 19th birthdays
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Health care workers
- Family and friends of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Family and caregivers of children too young to be vaccinated (younger than six months of age)
During flu seasons, when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the ACIP often makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
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