Health Information: Flu Shots

Who should get a flu shot?

• People age 50 and older.
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• Adults and children with chronic diseases of the lungs and heart.
• Adults and children who have diabetes, kidney failure, a blood disorder, or suppressed immune system.
• A child or teenager who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
• Pregnant women.
• Health care workers.
• People living with other high-risk people.
• Healthy children 6-23 months and their household contacts.

Flu Shot Facts

Fact #1: you cannot get the flu from the flu shot! Flu vaccine does not contain a living virus.

Fact#2: The flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. There is no such thing as the "stomach flu."

Fact #3: Flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever, body aches, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.

Fact #4: Since Flu viruses change from year to year, a flu shot is needed every year.

Fact #5: Flu can worsen other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. It can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and death - especially among people 65 and older.

Fact #6: The flu shot is fully covered by Medicare Part B.

Fact #7: The best time to receive a flu shot is October through November; however, you can still benefit if you receive your shot through February.

Fact #8: It takes 2 weeks for your body to be protected against the flu once you get the shot.

• Check with your doctor's office to see if they give the flu shot.
• Call the Colorado Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition (CIPAC) toll-free at 1-877-462-2911.
• Log on to www.immunizecolorado.com to find clinic locations (link opens a new window).