Seasonal flu clinics in your area

October 15, 10:18 AMHartford Health ExaminerSuzanne Flynn

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The American Lung Association (the “ALA”) website offers a free service for locating seasonal flu shots in your area at www.lungusa.org Simply enter your zip code and a list of flu clinics in your area will be listed. It is highly recommended that all age groups get an annual flu shot, as the Influenza virus can cause serious illness in some people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”). According to the ALA, Influenza and pneumonia combined are the eighth leading cause of death among all Americans and the sixth leading cause of death among all Americans over the age of 65. Further, according to the CDC, it is anticipated that this flu season will be particularly severe.

According to the CDC, the flu season runs from approximately October through March, and the vaccine may be given at any time during the flu season. Further, it is effective for the duration of the flu season..

The seasonal flu vaccine will not offer protection against H1N1, or swine flu. The seasonal flu vaccine will reduce a healthy individual’s chances of contracting seasonal flu by approximately 70% to 90%, according to the CDC. There are many different types of influenza viruses that circulate each year, and the vaccine for each season contains those strains that scientists predict will be circulating.

Flu shots are covered by Medicare, as well as other insurance providers.

More information about seasonal flu can be found at www.cdc.gov