(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE, Wash. -The flu has started to circulate, and the Spokane Regional Health District is recommending you get your flu shots now.
The Health District reports Spokane had its first hospitalization for flu within the past week. The sooner you get vaccinated the better. Infections can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes lead to death. Last flu season, 616 people were hospitalized due to flu in Spokane County and 41 deaths were attributed to flu-related complications.
Flu shots are available at numerous locations throughout Spokane County including healthcare provider offices, local pharmacies and grocery stores. The health district is also partnering with numerous local agencies to offer these free vaccination clinics:
Childhood vaccinations and flu shots* for children (Spokane Rotary Club 21-supported):
Wednesday, Oct. 3. 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Greenacres Middle School, 17409 E. Sprague Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Farwell Elementary School, 13005 N. Crestline St.
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Liberty Park Community Development Center, 1417 E. Hartson Ave.*nasal spray flu vaccine not available at these clinics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people 6 months of age and older get immunized against flu. The vaccine promotes antibody protection within two weeks.
Flu vaccine choices this year include:
Trivalent vaccine The traditional vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses—two A viruses and one B virus.
Quadrivalent vaccine These flu vaccines protect against four strains of influenza—two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B. Including a second strain of influenza B provides broader protection.
High-dose vaccines As people age, their immune systems weaken, which means the elderly benefit less from a standard flu shot. High-dose shots, approved for those ages 65 and over, include four times the usual level of immunity-producing proteins to provide more protection.
Nasal spray flu vaccine for use in non-pregnant individuals, 2 years through 49 years of ageFind additional information on flu vaccine on CDC’s website.