Flu Season is Coming
Flu season starts in the fall and runs through the winter, so October is a great time to get a flu shot. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu related doctor visits each year. It can also lessen the severity of illness if you get sick. The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people die from flu related illness each year. Many of those deaths could be prevented with an annual flu shot.
Anyone can get the flu, but the risk is higher for children, people over 65 and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or cancer. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone older than 6 months. People over 65 can get a high dose vaccine since they are at higher risk.
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THE FLU IS BY GETTING VACCINATED EACH YEAR.
Flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. The vaccine is free for children without insurance, and TRMC offers a low cost vaccine and for our uninsured and underinsured patients.
Protect yourself and your family this fall and winter. Please give us a call at (970) 728-3848 to schedule an appointment for your flu shot today!
Should I get the new COVID vaccine?
The pandemic may be over but COVID is still a thing. Fortunately, there’s a new COVID vaccine and the CDC recommends it for everyone 6 months and older to protect against the expected spread of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can provide enhanced protection against the latest variants responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.
If you have health insurance, most plans will still cover the vaccine at no cost. If you are uninsured, check with the San Miguel County Department of Public Health or a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreen’s to see if they offer free or low cost vaccinations.
Vaccination is still the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization and death, and health officials say it’s safe to get the flu and COVID vaccinations at the same time. Protect yourself and your family.
We anticipate having the new round of COVID vaccines available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.