The Pomperaug Health District again has several types of flu vaccine available. Supplies of high-dose vaccine and FluMist had run out in the last few weeks. Unexpectedly, the Health District was able to order additional supplies of both, plus a limited supply of the new vaccine, intradermal vaccine.
Sandy Weinberg, Public Health Nurse for the Pomperaug Health District, explains, “We had run out of both high-dose and FluMist vaccines. Both vaccines were extremely popular. Just a few days ago, we found out that we could order additional doses of both. We also ordered some doses of the newest type of flu vaccine, called FluZone Intradermal. It is for persons aged 18-64 years. The intradermal vaccine has a needle that is 90 percent smaller – just 1mm long. It injects a smaller amount of vaccine into the dermal layer of the skin.”
The nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) will be available for persons aged 2-49 years. High-dose flu vaccine is an option for persons aged 65 years and older. The intradermal vaccine is for persons aged 18-64 years. These vaccines are available as supplies last.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their flu vaccine as soon as the 2011-2012 vaccines become available.
The Health District will hold flu shot clinics at their office on the following Thursdays from 4 - 6 p.m.: October 27, November 3 and November 17. Clinics are also scheduled for the following Mondays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: October 24, October 31 and November 7. Pre-registration for these clinics is not required. The Pomperaug Health District Office is located at 800 Main Street South in Southbury. Please note that the handicap entrance is located at the front of the building. These clinics are open to persons 6 months and older.
A flu shot clinic will also be held at the Southbury Senior Center on November 2 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.. Regular and high-dose flu vaccine will be available at this clinic. The Senior Center is located at 561 Main Street South in Southbury. Pre-registration is not required.
Participants are asked to wear loose fitting clothes with short sleeves. The Health District will mail consent forms to persons who attended Health District flu shot clinics in 2010. Persons who receive those consent forms should bring them to the clinic. Consent forms are also available at the clinics or online at www.pomperaughealthdistrict.org.
The fees for the flu vaccine have been reduced for 2011.There is a suggested fee of $20.00 for the regular seasonal flu vaccine; $30 for the High-Dose flu vaccine. The following health insurances will accept billing from the Health District: Medicare (Part B); ConnectiCare (for flu only); Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aetna. People who are covered by these medical plans must bring their cards to the clinic. Persons with other health insurance must pay with cash or with a check. However, no one will be turned away because of inability to pay. Free vaccine is available for children under 19 years who have no insurance.
If you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine, please call the public health nurse at the Pomperaug Health District at (203) 264-9616 or log on to www.pomperaughealthdistrict.org.
