Vaccine Fees

• Adults vaccine                                 $25
• High dose vaccine (ages 65 )             $35 
• Children ages 6 mos-18 yrs                Free
• Intradermal flu vaccine (ages 18-65)    $25

Flu vaccine is free for un- and under-insured families.

Medicare Part B and Railroad clients must bring a copy of their medicare and secondary insurance cards, and either a driver’s license, or a photo ID. Clients with an HMO as their secondary insurance will be required to pay $25 by one of the payment methods listed above.

For children under age 18, either a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the clinic. If it is a legal guardian, documentation must be presented. The parent/legal guardian must bring a copy of the child’s immunization records. Records may be faxed to the Health Department at 610-344-4533 - Attention: Flu Clinic.

The Health Department is not able to administer flu vaccine to anyone with the following conditions:

• Severe allergy to eggs or other vaccine components such as Gelatin, Thimerosal, Gentamicin
• Acute illness, with or without fever
• Adverse reaction to prior influenza immunization
• Adverse reaction to latex
• Children under 6 months of age
• History of Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome following influenza vaccination. Anyone with a history of Guillain Barre’ Syndrome that has occurred within six weeks of previous influenza vaccination must have a written order from their primary care provider on pre-printed script or letterhead.

FLU VACCINE FACTS - Please read if you are receiving your first flu vaccine

• You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The viruses are killed or weakened so they cannot replicate.
• The flu vaccine takes approximately 2 weeks to generate protective antibodies, so for the 2 weeks after receiving a flu shot, try to avoid contact with sick people, was your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and practice good health habits.
• Side effects from your vaccine are not actual flu infection but a response from your immune system to the flu germs in the vaccine, in a way tricking your body into thinking you are infected. Active immunity from vaccine requires the body to detect the flu germs in order to make the protective antibodies. Side effects are an initial response from your immune system to the killed or weakened flu germs and are generally mild and resolve in 1 to 3 days. Taking pain relievers will not interfere with your vaccine and may be taken for comfort if necessary.
• Each year, the flu vaccine protects against different flu viruses. A new immunization is required each year.

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur in late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, but the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu is to get the vaccine. In a typical year, approximately 5-20% of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 will die from the flu.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue

High Risk Groups for the Seasonal Flu

• People age 65 and older
• Children younger than 2 years old
• People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease)
• Pregnant women

Prevention

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Avoid contact with sick people.
• Take the Hand Washing Quiz
• If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Links

• Flu Shot Finder
• PA Influenza Weekly Reports - 2012-2013
• CDC - Flu
• Flu Fact Sheet
• Information for Health Professionals
• The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (LAIV)