Colorado State Publications Blog

Get Your Flu Shot

By Amy Zimmer: Published on
Colorado State Publications Blog

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is encouraging everyone to get their flu shot before the end of October.  Flu shots are widely available in clinics, many drugstores and grocery store pharmacies, at at your doctor’s office.  To find a specific location visit https://vaccinefinder.org/.  A recent CDPHE press release gives the following information: 

Here’s what you need to know about flu shots this season:
·        The CDC recommends only injectable flu shots this year. The nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) is not recommended this year.
·        Some children 6 months through 8 years of age need two doses of flu vaccine four weeks apart. Ask your health care provider how many doses your child should get.
·        People with egg allergies no longer have to wait 30 minutes after receiving a vaccine. People who have experienced only hives after exposure to eggs can get their shot at any location offering licensed flu vaccines. People who have severe egg allergies (symptoms other than hives) also can get any licensed flu vaccine, but it should be given in a medical setting and supervised by a health care provider.
·        Some flu shots protect against four kinds of flu and some protect against three. There also is a high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older that can create a stronger immune response. However, it’s better to get the shot your provider has now rather than wait for a different product.
·        Recent data suggests vaccine protection may wear off late in the flu season for people age 65 and older. However, since flu cases often start to increase in October, CDC recommends all age groups get the vaccination by the end the month for optimal protection.

You can find statistical information about influenza in Colorado by visiting the CDPHE’s Influenza Data page, or search our library’s online catalog.


Amy Zimmer
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