Pocono, PA 18344 So go ahead and get it — in the doctor's office, pharmacy, or wherever you happen to be. But getting a flu vaccine is more important in 2020 than ever before. Flu shots work by helping your body develop antibodies that can protect you from being infected with an influenza virus. Because your immune system weakens as you age, and becomes less effective at producing antibodies to fight off infections, two special types of flu shots are available for people over the age of 65. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. County: Luzerne If you don't get vaccinated in October, you should still get vaccinated while flu shots are available. It's especially important for high-risk groups, such as health care providers, caregivers, and people who are immunocompromised or have chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Even if you aren’t worried about yourself, getting a flu shot can keep you from spreading it to others who are at high risk (like those under age 2 or over age 65). That said, there are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding which location suits you best. 560 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 A flu shot is a flu shot is a flu shot. Getting vaccinated early, like in July or August, is not recommended by the CDC, especially for older adults. There are a few common side effects from the flu shot injection, such as: However, these side effects are quite mild, and shouldn't last longer than a few days after you get your flu shot. “But be sure to check with your insurance company to find out if you must go to a specific facility to receive the vaccine. There are two ways the flu vaccines can be administered: "Many people skip their flu shot thinking it doesn't matter, but an estimated 80% of children who died from the flu did not get their flu vaccine," says Alice Benjamin, APRN, MSN, ACNS-BC, FNP-C, a Los Angeles-based clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner. Many pharmacies have established protocols to limit the risk of virus spread as well. “The companies I know are making large amounts so I hope the country can avoid shortages.”. “We have a substantial inventory and are prepared to administer 18 million flu shots this flu season, which is more than double last year,” says Dr. Massee, describing the quantity of flu vaccine at CVS. In fact, during the 2018-19 flu season, the vaccine prevented 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 58,000 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 3,500 deaths due to influenza. Note that all locations that administer the flu vaccine should be able to give a formulation called the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, which is designed to give people who are 65 and older an additional immunity boost. If you must pay out of pocket, shots can range in cost from $19.99 at Costco to $40 at Walgreens. Pocono "If you need another reason to get protection from a flu shot, that's it," Schaffner says. "Let's acknowledge that the flu vaccine is not perfect," says William Schaffner, MD, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Everyone 6 months of age and older needs a flu vaccine. Barry Bloom, MD, professor of public health at the Harvard T.H. But this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important. Location: Geisinger Mountain Top And can you get a flu shot for free? 330 Ferry St, Danville, PA 17821, Does your family need a flu vaccine? Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get more of it. While being vaccinated against the flu won't protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent you and others from getting sick, which could save lives and help lessen the burden on our healthcare system. Your health insurance plan may be a determining factor in where you get your flu shot. 2633 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801, Friendship Fire Company since. But, like COVID-19, the flu can be fatal for some. 300 Lycoming Mall Cir, Pennsdale, PA 17756, Tremont Area Ambulance And the vaccine can also reduce how severe the flu is if you do get it. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. County: Wyoming As part of an August directive by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), state-licensed pharmacists are now permitted to administer the flu vaccine to kids as young as 3 years old. Paul Business Journal found that both Allina Health System and HealthPartners were facing flu vaccine shortages as demand proved to be higher than expected. Staff administering the immunization wear PPE, including face masks and plastic face shields. Flu season begins in the fall and ends in the spring, peaking between December and February. Location: Geisinger Kingston Infants getting their first flu vaccine or who have only received one dose of the vaccine need to get two injections at least four weeks apart. Get it here. Pleasant Dr., Scranton, PA 18503 It’s easy to get your flu shot — and it’s at no cost to you. While many of the Geisinger community flu vaccine clinics are for those 18 and older, these Saturday clinics are specifically held to vaccinate children age 6 months+ and any accompanying parents/family members at one time. Having the flu isn’t fun, but most people recover in a few days. Click on the links below for clinic contact information. To make an appointment, call the clinic directly. All you have to do is drive up — we’ll take care of the rest. Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital100 Paramount Blvd. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. County: Luzerne Account active What’s the best place to get a flu shot — a doctor’s office, urgent-care center, pharmacy, or someplace else? Find flu vaccines in your area. If you get the nasal spray vaccine, you may also experience a runny nose or sore throat. In Maine, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital have administered twice the number of flu immunizations that were given by this time last year, according to the Penonscot Bay Pilot. “That’s a good deal for everyone.”. It’s best to get vaccinated before flu season starts — don’t worry, it’s easy. 124 E. Walnut St, Lock Haven, PA 17745, Sullivan County Health Fair Here's how to get one in three simple steps. The CDC limits the use of nasal-spray immunizations to healthy individuals 2 years through 49 years old who are not pregnant. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, gets his flu shot at a pharmacy. Location: Geisinger Mt. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious complications — including anyone age 65 or older, children younger than 2 years old, pregnant women and those with medical conditions like asthma, cancer, COPD, diabetes, kidney or liver disease. Yuqing Liu/Insider. Several strains of flu go around, and the flu shot covers the ones you’re most likely to get. If you think getting a flu vaccine in September or October is the equivalent of putting up Christmas decorations before Halloween, you couldn’t be more... With illnesses topping 29 million and related deaths numbering 16,000, the flu remains a high-priority public health concern. That’s right, just walk in — wearing your mask and being mindful of physical distancing. But that also shouldn't stop you from getting one. Looking for smart ways to get more from life? “So you’re getting the same quality protection, no matter where you get the shot.”. Compare prices: See pricing across providers, including at-home flu shot options. Find a Geisinger location near you. The CDC recommends that the second dose be administered at the end of October. “We have ample supply of vaccine on hand and are not currently experiencing or anticipating widespread shortages for the months when demand for the flu shot is at its peak.”. Coronavirus May Be in the Spotlight, but Flu Poses a Clear and Present Danger in U.S. Can Wearable Fitness Devices Help Predict Flu Outbreaks. “I think urgent care is a little bit less attractive for a flu shot.”. “I think most places meet the standards of storing, documenting, and administering the flu shot correctly,” says Dr. Safdar. Changes in resting heart rate and sleep patterns recorded on Fitbits align closely with CDC estimates of influenza-like illness rates, study finds. © 1996-2020 Everyday Health, Inc. The vaccine's flu-fighting antibodies pass through your placenta and will continue to protect your baby for six months. Children younger than six months old and people with certain health conditions should not get a flu shot, the CDC advises. “This is especially important as we are continuing to see community spread and hospitalizations for COVID-19.”, RELATED: How to Prepare for the COVID-19 and Flu 'Twindemic'. To ensure social distancing, vaccines are available by appointment only. A nasal spray version of the vaccine, the FluMist Quadrivalent, may be available at certain doctor’s offices, healthcare clinics, and pharmacies. Greater Scranton YMCA Available starting Sept. 8, here are 3 ways to get your no-cost flu shot at Geisinger: Get your no-cost flu shot at one of our flu shot clinics near you. If patients want answers to in-depth questions about side effects or other aspects of the inoculation, they may want to get the vaccination from their doctor, says Safdar. There is no need to go to a special healthcare service to receive this type of immunization, but you may want to call first before heading out to make sure the place you’ve selected has an adequate supply. If you're pregnant, your weakened immune system makes you more at risk of flu complications. This means it promotes a better response by your immune system. If you can't get a flu shot, there are other steps you can take to prevent the flu. You can get a flu shot at a pharmacy, urgent care center, doctor's office, supermarket, or other location. “You probably don’t want to be in a waiting room for too long, no matter where you go,” says Safdar. Here are some other steps you can take to avoid the flu (and other bugs, too): You can also protect yourself by practicing good health habits, like: Like the flu, the common cold is a respiratory illness that is caused by a different virus. Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter! Having the flu isn’t fun, but most people recover in a few days. The public appears to be taking the urgency of getting vaccinated to heart, according to media reports around the country, and while supplies overall seem to be keeping up with demand, the public is advised to double check with their site of choice to make sure product is in stock. According to WGBH in Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting strong demand for the flu vaccine this year, and supplies have kept up despite shipment delays in some locations. When you’re deciding where to get a flu shot, Nasia Safdar, MD, medical director of infection control and prevention at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, suggests picking a locale that is convenient and comfortable. If you're still not convinced, it may be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of getting a flu shot: Getting a flu shot is easy and affordable, and it brings many health benefits with few risks. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. County: Luzerne Pleasant RELATED: What You Need to Know About Getting Vaccinated at a Pharmacy. It's important to get a flu shot to protect yourself as well as your baby. Some insurance plans only cover vaccines given by your doctor or at a limited set of locations,” writes the HHS. But it’s possible to catch a strain that isn’t covered by the vaccine. Why? Influenza — or the flu — is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and avoid people who are coughing or sneezing. Flu shots are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself from the influenza virus. Even if you aren’t worried about yourself, getting a flu shot can keep you from spreading it to others who are at high risk (like those under age 2 or over age 65). With flu season approaching and COVID-19 cases expected to surge again this fall, health-conscious Americans are doing all they can to protect themselves from a double-whammy of two potentially devastating viral illnesses. Children younger than two years old are at especially high risk of developing serious complications if they get the flu. Location: Geisinger Mt. Overall, the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting the flu. “I have not heard of a shortage of vaccines in Boston, and the pharmacies and Department of Health are advertising that they are available,” says Bloom.
Fooled Myself,
Luis Suarez Wife Instagram,
Mcmaster University Ranking,
California Roll Recipe,
Virgin Media Ireland,