Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q. Is the flu vaccine safe?
A. Yes. Both types of vaccine, the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine, are extremely safe. More than 30,000
people die each year from influenza disease, while the chance of
someone dying from the vaccine is one in a million.
Q. How much does the flu
vaccination cost and where can I find a clinic?
A. Flu shots costs between $25 and $30. FluMist
costs around $35 to $45.
Boulder County Public Health immunization
clinics, which provide flu shots
for children 6 months through 18 years of age, charge $14.
To find a community clinic near you, call 1-877-462-2911 or visit
www.immunizecolorado.com.
Q.
What strains does the 2008-2009 vaccine protect against?
A.
The 2008-2009 trivalent vaccine strains will protect against
the A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus; A/Brisbane/10/2007
(H3N2)-like virus; and a B/Florida/4/2006-like virus.
Q. What is thimerosal?
A. Thimerosal is a preservative
that has been used since the 1930s to prevent contamination in
some multi-dose vials of vaccines (preservatives are not required
for vaccines in single-dose vials).
Q. Does FluMist (nasal spray) contain
thimerosal?
A. No. FluMist does not contain any type of
preservative.
Q. When should I get a
vaccination?
A. The best time to get flu
vaccine is from the middle of October to the middle of November.
The flu season can peak anywhere from December through March,
but most often peaks in February. So getting the vaccine in
December, or even later, can still be beneficial in most years.
Children
younger than nine years of age getting influenza vaccine for the
first time need two doses of either vaccine, given a month
apart, to be protected. These children should get their first
dose as early as possible.Q. If 2 doses are
needed, do they have to be the same type of vaccine?
A. No. Healthy children two through nine years of age
getting flu vaccine for the first time can have live or inactivated
vaccine for either dose.. Children younger than two years of age must
receive the inactivated vaccine that is given as a shot.
Q. Where else can I get
answers?
A. You can
call the Immunization Program at 303-413-7500 or visit the
flu page at the
Centers for Disease Control website.
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