Flu Vaccination Options | Who Should Get Vaccinated | H1N1 Flu | Cost | Hours | Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Vaccination Options

The Immunization program offers two types of seasonal flu vaccine. The first is a shot, which is injected into the muscle. The second is a mist, which is sprayed into the nostrils. Some differences include:  

   

Seasonal Flu Shot ($27) - Vaccine Information Statement

• Contains killed flu virus
• Is given by injection into the muscle
• Is the most common form of flu vaccine
• Is cheaper than the intranasal spray
• Is recommended for most groups
• May contain the preservative thimerosal

   

Seasonal Flu Spray ($37) - Vaccine Information Statement

• Contains live, but weakened flu virus
• Is given by spraying a mist into the nostrils
• Is a less common form of flu vaccine
• Is more expensive than the flu shot
• Is only recommended for 2-49 year-olds in good health status
• Is not recommended for pregnant women
• Does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives

Regardless of which method is used, it takes up to 2 weeks for protection against the seasonal flu to develop after you receive the vaccination.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at 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:

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• 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 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

H1N1 Flu

Protection against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine this year. Most people will be able to return to the traditional routine of having one flu vaccine to protect them against the major circulating flu viruses. (Younger children who did not receive a flu vaccine last year will need two doses this season.)

Cost

Seasonal flu shot $27

Seasonal flu mist $37

Pneumonia shot $70

Anyone can receive a seasonal flu vaccination at the public health department, however, the public health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid.

If you have Medicare, we recommend either getting a seasonal flu shot at your doctor's office, at a pharmacy, or through Mercy Visiting Nurse Services (VNS). For information about Mercy VNS flu shot clinics, call their flu hotline at (231) 672-3272.

Hours

Monday through Friday

Noon until 4:30 pm

Please call (231) 724-1220 to confirm vaccine availability.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The common cold and the flu are both illness of the nose, throat and lungs. However, different viruses cause them. Because they share some of the same symptoms, it can be hard to tell the difference between them.

Generally, the flu is worse than a cold. With the flu, symptoms like fever, body aches, exhaustion, and dry cough are more severe. A cold is usually milder than the flu and often causes a stuffy or runny nose. Colds tend not to cause as serious of health problems as the flu. There is a laboratory test to confirm if a person has the flu.

Additional Information

Preventing Seasonal Flu (CDC)

What To Do If You Get Sick With The Flu (CDC)