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SALT LAKE CITY — It may not feel like the time to get flu shots yet — or to even think about it. But vaccinations for the upcoming flu season are already becoming available in Utah.
Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.
–CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get vaccinated, “as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community.”
According to the CDC website, “Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.” Flu season can start as early as October and last until as late as May.
Several grocery store chain pharmacies, including Harmons, Fresh Market and Macey’s, now have flu shots available for $25 each. All Smith’s pharmacies should have the vaccinations available by the end of the week, a company spokesperson said.
Pharmacy representatives say that some insurance plans and Medicare may pay for the shots. Associated Food pharmacies will only vaccinate ages 9 and above, pharmacy director Denise Kunkel says. Other chains may also have restrictions. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department does not usually offer vaccinations until October.
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- People 50 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
Since February 2010, the CDC has recommended universal vaccination, that everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot every year.
“When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community,” according to the CDC website.
It’s especially important for those at high risk of serious flu-related complications to get shots, or those who live or work with those in high-risk groups. Those groups include anyone who is: pregnant; younger than 5 — but especially younger than 2; 50 years old and older; those with certain chronic medical conditions; and those who live in nursing homes.
It takes about two weeks after a shot for antibodies to develop, when the vaccination becomes effective.
Annually, flu-related deaths average over 25,000 people, with 90 percent of those deaths among people 65 years and older. According to the CDC, the 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus.
The CDC website also says people can get a shot as soon as vaccines are available, and they will still last throughout the flu season.
Email: lbrubaker@desnews.com
