More options available for vaccine
BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) wants you to protect yourself and your families. Beginning Friday, September 20, the health department will begin offering seasonal flu shots to the public.
This year, the health department will be providing more vaccine options to the public. In addition to the trivalent flu vaccine which covers three strains of influenza, the health department will provide the following:
- Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
- Flu mist which is the nasal spray live vaccine and only for ages 2-49 years
- Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18-49 years
- High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years
This year’s vaccines contain several strains of influenza, including H1N1. Therefore, one shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.
The cost of the seasonal Flu Mist, Trivalent vaccine, and Quadrivalent vaccine is $25.00. The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $35.00. Uninsured children less than 19 years old are eligible for free vaccine. Insured children less than 19 years old whose insurance does not cover the cost of a flu shot may be eligible for free flu vaccine.
The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. Shots will be given by appointment, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), at the following times:
8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Help you and your family stay healthy this season by getting the flu shot today. Don’t forget to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick to help stop the spread of illness.
For more information, call the health department at 336-227-0101.