Oct 22 2009
Getting 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). CDC estimates that the vaccine available for the 2009-2010 flu season reduces your chances of catching the three common types of flu viruses by 70% to 90%. It offers limited protection against other flu viruses. This season, however, things are considerably more complicated by the spectre of swine flu (H1N1 flu) and a possible pandemic.
In the discussion that follows, I will be referring to these two distinct issues - seasonal flu (the regular flu that comes around every year) and swine flu (also known as H1N1, the possibly more serious illness that may be worldwide in scope).
Who Should Get a Seasonal Flu Shot?
Influenza (flu) is not a benign disease. In the U.S., over 200,000 people a year are hospitalized because of seasonal flu, and 36,000 people die from it. CDC recommends people get vaccinated as soon as the seasonal vaccine is available, usually beginning in August and September. The seasonal vaccine affords protection against the three main seasonal flu virus strains 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 aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- 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:
- 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)
What About H1N1 (Swine) Flu Shots?
Information about swine flu shots is updated frequently, making it a moving target. The H1N1 flu vaccine has been approved and is being distributed throughout the country. The latest information is available from the CDC 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information website. From this site, these topics may be of particular interest...- Swine Flu and You
- Vaccination Recommendations
- Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
- Information for Specific Groups
- Questions & Answers About Swine Flu Vaccine
Washoe County and Nevada State Flu Information
Both of these government entities have set up websites to help Nevadans deal health hazards inherent with both seasonal and swine flu. The State of Nevada site in particular has a wealth of information that will keep citizens informed and help dispell fear caused by misinformation.- State of Nevada H1N1 Flu Toolkit
- Washoe County H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information and Resources
- Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) Swine Flu Information
Where to Get Seasonal Flu Shots
The sources listed here are for seasonal flu shots only. Additional sources for flu shots will be listed as the information become available. Swine flu shots will be available when the vaccine becomes available, estimated to be some time in the fall of 2009.St. Mary's Medical Center and Scolari's Markets are teaming up to offer seasonal flu shots to the community starting September 17, 2009. Clinics will be at various times and locations throughout the area. Call (775) 770-3553 for information.
St. Mary's will administer children's flu shots at their main facility, 645 Arlington Ave., Reno, starting September 21, 2009. Call (775) 770-7100 for information.
To find a clinic near you, use the American Lung Association 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) and supermarkets (Safeway). Prices vary - if you are paying cash, you might save a few bucks by shopping around.
The Nevada Immunization Coalition provides us with Nevada Flu Vaccination Information and a list of seasonal flu and pneumonia shot providers for the 2009-10 flu season.
Free Seasonal Flu Shots in Reno
Rotary Family Flu Shot Day will be on Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free seasonal flu shots will be offered at two locations to those age six months and older on a first-come, first-served basis, while supply lasts. A walk-in clinic will be at Billinghurst Middle School, 6685 Chesterfield Lane in northwest Reno. A drive-thru clinic with be at the Washoe County Roads Division, 3101 Longley Lane in southeast Reno (just south of the Nevada Humane Society). For more information, call (775) 325-8140.Where to Get Seasonal Flu Shots in the Carson City Area
A free flu vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to administer the seasonal vaccine only. Locations will be the Carson Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, and the Nevada National Guard, 2460 Fairview Drive. Thereafter, flu shots will be available on Thursdays at the Carson City Community Health Clinic, 900 E. Long Street. Times will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Immunizations at the clinic will cost $20 for a shot, $25 for FluMist nasal spray. For more information, call (775) 887-2190.Availability of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine in Carson City has not yet been announced.
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. This service is available until November 25 or until vaccine supplies run out. Seasonal flu shots are needed every year. A pneumonia shot is only needed once to provide lifetime protection for people 65 and older. Note that REMSA will not be offering H1N1 (swine flu) 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.
