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Flu season is officially upon us, which means it's time for flu shots. This year there are new warnings and new ways to protect ourselves from getting sick.
In 2007, Salt Lake County saw its first hospitalized influenza case before Oct. 10. That was two weeks earlier than in previous years. Because of that, health officials are urging residents to get their flu shots now to avoid the misery and potential danger of the flu.
A new study in the journal Pediatrics says there has been an increase in deaths for children ages 6 months to 18 years from flu-related conditions.
In previous years it was recommended that kids ages 5 and under get the vaccine. Now the Centers for Disease Control says children ages 6 months to 18 years should be vaccinated each year.
NBC News Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman said, "If you can control the underlying flu problem, which is the virus, you then undercut the complications, which are usually bacterial."
"No matter if your child is 6 or 18, talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine," she recommended.
There are two types of vaccines. A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle. It is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older. The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Both of these types of vaccines cost $25 at your public health center.
Flu shots are available at these locations starting today. Once again, the cost is $25.
Salt Lake City Center
610 South 200 E.
534-4568 or 534-4575
South Main Center
3690 S. Main St.
468-3690
Rose Park Center
1625 W. 700 N. #h
521-0778
Ellis R. Shipp Center
4535 S. 5600 W.
963-7335
South East Center
9340 S. 700 E.
255-7114
West Jordan Center
1740 W. 7800 S.
569-4370
E-mail: spark@ksl.com
