Louisville VA Medical Center

FLU Shots for Veterans - 2011

It is that time of year once again – Time to get your flu vaccination!   Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself against flu viruses.

Flu Vaccine Info:

• The flu vaccine helps to protect not only the person receiving it, but also helps to prevent spread of flu to others.
  
• If your are infected with the flu virus, you can spread it even before you develop symptoms.
• It is not too early to get the vaccine. The immunity protection usually lasts throughout the flu season-estimated to be 6-12 months. However, the vaccine protection from last year’s shot is not likely to be adequate for the next year.
• A flu shot is recommended yearly for everyone 6 months or older (Universal recommendation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Vaccination of high-risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to high-risk people.
• The vaccine formulation for this year is identical to the 2010-2011 vaccine (because it is likely that similar types of flu will be seen this season as last year)

We are offering flu shots to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care.  Veterans who already have scheduled appointments in primary or specialty care clinics can receive a flu shot at their next appointment by simply asking.

Those without scheduled appointments may contact their primary care clinic to make arrangements.  If you happen to be at the Zorn Avenue location, please ask about flu shots at the information desk or Emergency Department.