While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine this year is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season, according to CDC sources. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus that caused illness last season.
“As with all illnesses, prevention remains the best tactic to avoid becoming ill,” says Patty Hinrichs, RN, coordinator for Grinnell Regional Public Health. “The first step is to receive a flu vaccination. Our infection prevention committee reviewed the CDC data and influenza recommendations to determine the appropriate time to vaccinate residents. Public health will begin administering vaccine in October to ensure individuals have peak immunity in place when the virus is most active, during and after the holidays. Last year the vaccination schedule was accelerated due to the H1N1 outbreak. This year we can return to the normal vaccination schedule that gives the best protection throughout the full influenza season.”
Grinnell Regional Public Health orders vaccine for all age groups. Nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Who Should be Vaccinated
In February, vaccine experts voted that everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While public health recommends everyone receive a flu vaccine, certain groups of individuals are identified as a higher risk either due to their own high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. Individuals at higher risk and recommended for flu vaccination include:
- Pregnant women
- Children six months of age and older
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age, as these children are too young to be vaccinated.
Grinnell Regional Public Health flu vaccine clinics will be held on the following dates and locations. No appointment is required for these. Fee is $25.
- Oct. 13 – Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, 1500 Penrose, Grinnell, 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
- Oct. 18 – Grinnell Newburg High School, Media Center, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
- Oct. 19 – Brookside South, 214 4th Ave., West, Grinnell, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Oct. 20 – Grinnell Senior Center, 927 4th Ave., 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Oct. 21 – Michael J. Manatt Community Center, 105 Jackson St., Brooklyn, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Nov. 2 – Seeland Park, Ten-plex lobby on Orchard Dr., Grinnell, 10 a.m. to noon
- Nov. 3 – Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave., Grinnell, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Nov. 4 – Montezuma Presbyterian Church Family Center, 300 E. Washington, Montezuma, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Nov. 10 – BGM School, Elementary Cafeteria, Brooklyn, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Nov. 11 – Mayflower Community, Carman Center, 600 Park St., Grinnell, 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information on the vaccination or public clinics, call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.
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