Health officials: peak flu season underway, ‘not too late’ to get flu shot
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Doctors urged Hoosiers to protect themselves with flu shots following a new report from health officials listing flu activity across Indiana as “high” and “widespread.”
The state reported three flu-related deaths between October 6 and December 29, according to data released Friday.
Flu activity typically peaks between December and February, health officials said, and can last as late as May.
Studies show flu vaccines are effective at reducing the risk of illness, hospitalization and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since 2010, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu vaccine every year.
People with “severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine” are exempt from the agency’s recommendation; allergens may include gelatin, antibiotics or other ingredients, according to the CDC.
People with egg allergies who have experienced only hives should receive the flu vaccine, health officials said.
People with egg allergies who have experienced symptoms other than hives — such as angioedema, respiratory distress, dizziness, recurrent emesis or any other condition requiring epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention — should also receive the flu vaccine, the CDC said in its recommendation.
The vaccine should be administered in a medical setting by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.
Common side effects for anyone receiving the flu vaccine (regardless of allergies) include soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site, in addition to low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches.
“The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza,” the CDC said. “The vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system… Life-threatening allergic reactions to the flu shot are rare. These signs would most likely happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine is given.”
Health officials recommended searching for area flu shot providers online using the free “HealthMap Vaccine Finder.”
The website works with partners including clinics, pharmacies and health departments to provide updated information about vaccination services.
Costco offers one of the cheapest advertised flu vaccines this year for people without health insurance. The company’s website lists the “quadrivalent” four-strain flu shot for $19.99.
Costco Pharmacy locations do not require insurance, membership or appointments for the flu shot.
Walmart offers the same quadrivalent vaccine for $34.99.
Walgreen’s, Rite Aid and Kroger charge $40.
Learn more about different types of flu vaccines and who should be vaccinated on the CDC’s website.