Influenza is serious - Get a flu shot!
September 29, 2017
Flu shots now available at all Packard offices.
The influenza virus affects the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
A vaccine each year is the best way to avoid the flu. Early October is the ideal time to get your shot before the flu season begins. The vaccine is for everyone older than 6 months, and there are high dose influenza vaccinations for those above 65 years old.
FLU SHOTS FOR PACKARD HEALTH PATIENTS
- At your scheduled appointment
- During specified drop-in hours, when no appointment necessary.
- Please call our office, (734) 971-1073, before you drop in
to ensure that we have the flu vaccine in stock. - Many insurance plans cover this cost.
DROP IN HOURS
Packard Health Main
Mon & Fri - 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tues, Wed, Thurs - 1:00 - 4:00pm
Packard Health West
Mon & Fri** - 1 - 4pm
Tues, Wed, Thurs - 8am-12pm
Packard Health Ypsilanti
Mon - Fri - 9-11:30am and 1:30-4:30pm
**Friday 10/27 and 11/3 - ALL Day 8:00-5:00pm
Flu & You
Why should people get vaccinated?
- Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Even healthy people can get very sick from flu.
- An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce chances that you'll get the flu.
- When more people get vaccinated, less flu can spread through the community.
Who should be vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine EVERY YEAR.
Why is a higher dose vaccine available for adults 65 and older?
Human immune defenses weaken with age, placing older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. Also, aging decreases the body's ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza vaccine. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is supposed to give older people a better immune response, and therefore, better protection against flu.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
- Flu vaccine reduces odds of getting the flu by 70% to 90% according to the CDC
- Effectiveness varies year to year. The vaccine is often updated each season to protect against what researchers believe will be the dominant strains of the flu that year. Predictions are generally accurate, but not foolproof.
- Flu vaccine may make your symptoms milder if you do become sick.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, a flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness as it is does not contain a live virus.
All the latest info about influenza from Centers for Disease Control
