Getting influenza (flu) shots is the most important step in protecting you and your children against catching the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The seasonal flu vaccine available for the 2011-2012 flu season offers protection against three flu viruses, including the H1N1 virus. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu shot.
Types of Flu Shots
There are three types of flu shots being administered. The right one for any particular individual is determined primarily by age and health condition. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is an alternative for healthy people ages 2 to 49 years.
- Regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older.
- High-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older.
- Intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.
Learn more about the seasonal flu vaccine from the CDC 2011-2012 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Updates web page.
Who Should Get a Seasonal Flu Shot?
Influenza is not a benign disease. In the U.S., over 200,000 people a year are hospitalized because of seasonal flu and thousands of people die from it. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated as soon as the seasonal vaccine is available. It takes about two weeks after a vaccination for the immune response to develop The seasonal vaccine for 2011-2012 affords protection against the H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus for a year.
Certain people have been identified by CDC as those who should be vaccinated every year because they are at high risk for serious seasonal flu complications or care for such people:
- Children under 5 years old, and especially those under 2 year old.
- Pregnant women (any trimester).
- People 65 years of age and older.
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives, who last flu season seemed to be at higher risk of flu complications.
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
- People who are morbidly obese.
- 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:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (children too young to be vaccinated)
Washoe County and State of Nevada Flu Information
Both of these government entities have set up websites to help Nevadans deal with health hazards inherent with seasonal flu. The State of Nevada site in particular has a wealth of information to keep citizens informed and help dispell fear caused by misinformation.- State of Nevada Influenza (Flu) Information
- Washoe County Flu Season Information
- Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) Flu Shot Program
Where to Get Seasonal Flu Shots
Washoe County District Health Immunization Clinic - 1001 East Ninth Street, Building B, Reno. Clinics for both children and adults are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and require an appointment. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 4:30p.m. To make an appointment, call (775) 328-2402 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.). Appointments can be made up to a week in advance.
St. Mary's Medical Center - For flu shot availability, check the schedule for times and locations of community flu shot clinics and children's flu shot clinics. St. Mary's is also administering flu shots at two locations of the Clinic at Walmart (4855 Kietzke Ln. in Reno and 5065 Pyramid Hwy. in Sparks). Flu shot appoints can be made by calling (775) 770-7100.
Renown Health - Flu shots are being offered at various locations throughout the area. Get the details at 2010 Flu Shot Information or call (775) 982-5757. Flu vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 8 years are available by appointment only - call (775) 982-5433.
Other Places to get Flu Shots - In addition to those listed above, you can find a clinic near you with the Flu.gov Flu Clinic Locator. This tool is easy to use and updated frequently. I tried it and found several flu clinics near my home in Reno. Common locations are drug stores (Walgreens, CVS) and supermarkets (Safeway, Smith's). Prices vary - if you are paying cash, you might save a few bucks by shopping around.
Immunize Nevada - Check here for a list of links to information about seasonal flu and pneumonia shot providers for the current flu season.
Flu Shots for the Homebound
If you live in Reno or Sparks and cannot get out due to illness or disability, the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) will come to you with seasonal flu and pneumonia shots. Homebound flu shots are $28 and pneumonia shots are $50. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call REMSA at (775) 858-5741.
Where to Get Seasonal Flu Shots in the Carson City Area
Flu shots are available on Thursdays only at the Carson City Health & Human Services, 900 E. Long Street in Carson City. Clinic hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make an appointment and for more information, call (775) 887-2195.Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washoe County Health District.
