With winter respiratory viruses circulating and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to consider getting a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health offers flu vaccine for children, teens and adults at its Immunization Clinic.  Both the injection and nasal spray variety is available. Parents do need to make an appointment to have themselves or a child vaccinated.

“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu," said Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, MD.  “There is plenty of vaccine this year and there are more choices than ever, both in terms of where to get vaccinated and what vaccine to get.”
 
The Department of Health has the traditional flu shot for children and teens ages six months through 18 years. Along with the thimerosal-free injectable vaccine, the Department of Health also has an intranasal spray for healthy children ages 2 through 18.  The nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for children younger than 2 or children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma.

The Immunization Clinic is at the department’s Medical Annex, 4813 New Haven Ave. The clinic’s hours are Tuesdays, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.  Call (260) 449-7504.

Children under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian (with appropriate consent). Parents should also bring the child’s shot record. There is an administration fee of $9 per vaccine.

Adults can also get a flu vaccine for $19. A special high-dose flu shot for seniors age 65 years or older is available for $34.  Adults in need of a flu vaccine can also check with their physician or visit their neighborhood pharmacy or RediMed urgent care clinic.

For more information on preventing the flu, visit www.fighttheflu.org.