As sure as fall is upon us, so is the upcoming influenza season. The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, Health District of Northern Larimer County and RVNA (Rehabilitation and Visiting Nurse Association) remind all Larimer County residents that flu shot time is just around the corner.
Larimer County residents are encouraged to receive a flu vaccination (through a shot or nasal spray) in order to protect themselves from getting the flu, as well as from spreading it to others, especially the most vulnerable. Infants and young children, elderly, people with chronic diseases, including asthma, and those with weakened immunity (due to chemotherapy, HIV, etc) are at high risk for complications of the flu and are encouraged to receive a flu vaccination early in the season. It can take up to two weeks for immunity to develop after getting a flu vaccination.
Who needs a flu shot?
Is there enough flu vaccine in Larimer County this year?
Yes. There should be plenty of flu vaccine available in Larimer County this year. You also have numerous convenient choices of where and when to receive your shot. Our shared goal is to have Larimer County residents well-immunized and healthy throughout this flu season.
Where and when can I get a flu shot in Larimer County? How much will it cost?
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE)
LCDHE will begin administering flu vaccine to adults and children in Loveland, and Estes Park beginning Wednesday, October 8, and in Fort Collins beginning Friday, October 10.
The Fort Collins office accepts Medicare, Medicaid, cash or check. We accept debit cards, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express with an added $2.50 convenience fee. We do not accept Visa charge cards, but will accept a Visa debit card with an added $2.50 fee. The Loveland and Estes Park offices can accept only Medicare, Medicaid, and Cash/Checks at this time.
Children price:
Adult prices:
Nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) will be available but only for people ages 2 through 49. FluMist is not appropriate for all people. For more information on FluMist, general information on seasonal flu, clinic times and locations, and other vaccines that are available, see www.larimer.org/health or call:
Fort Collins: 498-6700;
Loveland: 679-4580;
Estes Park: 577-2050.
RVNA
Rehabilitation and Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) will be offering flu and pneumonia vaccine beginning October 1, 2008 at public clinics in Larimer and Weld Counties. Children 9 years and older with parental consent are welcome. Shots only; no FluMist.
Payment info: Remember to bring your insurance cards! Accept Medicare Part B as well as some Medicare Advantage programs including Humana Gold. Cash or checks are also accepted. Cannot bill Secure Horizons.
Prices
Find clinics locations at: www.VNAA.org
On-site clinics at places of employment can be arranged for 10 or more people. Homebound people may also contact RVNA.
For more information, contact:
Larimer County RVNA: 225-9399
Weld County RVNA: 330-5655
Health District of Northern Larimer County
The Health District of Northern Larimer County will begin giving flu shots on Wednesday, October 22. Flu shot clinics will be held at various sites throughout Fort Collins through the end of November, depending upon the availability of vaccine supply. Shots are available for anyone age 4 and above. Shots only; no Flu Mist.
Payment info: Remember to bring Medicaid, Medicare cards! Accept Medicare Part B, Medicaid, but no insurance. Accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card charge or debit cards. Sliding fee is available for those eligible who live within District boundaries.
Full pay: $25 per shot
Appointments encouraged, but not mandatory. Walk-ins accepted.
For clinic dates and locations see: www.healthdistrict.org
For appointments or more information, call 224-5209.
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Why do we need flu shots?
A flu shot (or nasal spray) is the best defense against getting this year's flu. Seasonal flu is a form of influenza ("the flu") that occurs yearly in the colder months. It is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It can be a mild illness or can result in complications that are serious, debilitating, and sometimes fatal. Complications of seasonal flu result in over 36,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
Seasonal flu in Larimer County can start as early as late October or last into May, but on average, cases peak in February. Persons at high risk for complications of the flu should try to receive the shot by November so that they are protected in the event of an early flu season. Flu vaccine is usually available beginning on September or October. A young child may need two flu shots a month apart for effective protection, so starting the process early increases the chances of getting both shots in before flu season hits.
For more information on seasonal flu, or on influenza vaccine, visit:
To find a flu shot clinic near you, visit:
www.healthinfosource.com and click on Flu Season Nears; Get a Flu Shot.
www.immunizecolorado.com and click on "Find a flu clinic."