Flu vaccines will soon be available locally for what is predicted to be a rather average season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu season begins around October and carries on through May.
“We really encourage people (to get the vaccine), and that’s something for us as a department our commissioner encourages,” Teresa Harrill, Loudon County Health Department director, said.
She said the county office would likely get its first shipment of the flu vaccine this week, and department officials should begin treating patients within a couple weeks after receiving protocol directions from the regional office.
Each year the health department’s busiest period for patients coming in for the flu vaccine is in October, Harrill said.
To help children who are afraid of needles, the department also provides FluMist Quadrivalent, a type of vaccine that is inhaled. Harrill said a shipment of FluMist is on its way and should be in the office no later than mid-September.
“It’s easier because of not doing the needles,” Harrill said. “And to be honest, with a kindergartner or first- or second-grader, we didn’t feel comfortable doing the shots without mama there, you know? Because when you got a little one, a lot of kids are just terrified of shots, and the mist is — even though it’s a live virus — it’s safe as all get out.”
Judy Hurst, nursing supervisor with the department, said FluMist vaccinations will be given to students in both school systems Oct. 5-7 just before fall break. A make-up day will also be offered, however a date has not been scheduled, she said.
Harrill said patients visiting the health department have decreased over the years as “pop-up places,” such as Walgreen’s and CVS Pharmacy, offer vaccinations.
“A lot of times they have a lot of folks that we used to see are already getting it there at those places, which is great,” she said. “We’re not — hey, as long as you get it. We don’t care where you get it.”
The price of vaccinations could play a part in patients seeking shots elsewhere, Harrill said, adding the price is $25, which is set by the state.
Food City recently announced it would provide flu vaccinations again this year. Walk-ins started Sept. 1.
“Over the past nine years, Food City has offered the added convenience of a number of affordable preventative health care options, including the immunization of thousands of patients,” Will Blevins, director of pharmacy for Food City, said in a press release.
Trivalent flu shots will be $22 for Food City Prescription Discount Club members and $28 all others, according to the release.
According to the CDC, persons considered high risk for the flu are those 65 or older, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant women, health care personnel, out-of-home caregivers or persons ages 2-64 with more than one disease.
Dr. Syed Amer, a pediatrician with Pediatric Choice in Lenoir City, said his busiest time of year for flu cases is January during the peak season. He hopes this season will be similar to last season, which he said was “average.”
“Usually it starts now but most people forget and they come in January and February when it’s the peak season, and it’s a little late by that time for most people,” Amer said.
Much like the health department, Amer said he utilizes the FluMist vaccine for younger children. The older kids receive a shot, he said.
“It’s the parents who bring the children and most parents bring their children in for other things and then they end up getting the flu vaccine too,” he said. “I would recommend that they just come in for the vaccine to get it.”
Amer recommended washing hands whenever possible and “avoiding sick contacts.”
He said the vaccine should be in the office “hopefully” later this month or early October. Flu vaccines for Amer’s office are no charge if the child is under the Vaccines for Children Program, a state-funded program, and insurance should cover the costs otherwise, he said.
