It's Flu Season - Are You Protected?

Have you had your flu shot yet?  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), while seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue into May, flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. The elderly and very young, along with those with chronic health conditions, may be especially vulnerable.  If you have not yet received a flu vaccine for the 2014-15 flu season, we urge you to do so.

A variety of locations around Connecticut, offer the flu shot, with no appointment needed. CVS’s Minute Clinic, for example, is one of several providers that offer both regular strength vaccines, and high-dose strains for people 65 and older.  Walgreens, RiteAid, Wal-Mart and many CT grocery chains, including Stop & Shop and Big Y, also offer vaccines on a walk-in basis.

Here in Connecticut, as in elsewhere around the country, Medicare Part B will cover the cost of a flu shot for people 65 and older. Many private insurance plans cover the cost also, although individual plans will vary.

While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season. All vaccines are designed to protect against three strains of the virus (these are called trivalent vaccines), while some vaccines can protect against four distinct strains of the virus (called quadrivalent).

Researchers have also produced an egg-free strain, FluBlok, safe for those with egg allergies, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). FluBlok is egg-free, made without growing flu virus, antibiotics, preservatives, or harsh chemicals and produced right here in CT.  The FluBlok vaccine is approved for vaccination of persons age 18 and older and can be administered safely to patients with egg allergy of any severity.

With so many options , choosing the right one can be confusing.  READ: Which Flu Shot is Right for You?

For more information about the 2014-15 Flu Season, visit the CDC website.