Gila County Health Department

Each year the U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults is reviewed by a federal organization that examines research on effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Changes in the 2011 recommendations reflect efforts to best protect you and to protect young, vulnerable children you may encounter.
Rising cases of seasonal flu prompted experts to revise adult vaccination recommendations.
On February 24, 2010, health care experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. That universal recommendation is included in the 2011 schedule for adults.

What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older:

It has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults. It’s estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older. This is because human immune defenses become weaker with age. So influenza can be a very serious disease for people 65 and older.

Actions To Take This Flu Season

1. Get Your Flu Shot

The best way to prevent the flu is with a flu vaccine. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your community. Vaccination is especially important for people 65 years and older because they are at increased risk for complications from the flu. Immunity sets in about two weeks after vaccination, and the flu vaccine provides protection that lasts throughout the entire flu season.

People 65 years and older have two flu shots available to choose from - a regular dose flu vaccine and a new flu vaccine designed for people 65 and older with a higher dose. The high dose vaccine is associated with a stronger immune

2. Take Everyday Preventive Actions including covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.

3. Seek medical advice quickly if you develop flu symptoms to see whether you might need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs.

It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick with flu (for example, people who are in the hospital), and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people 65 and older
.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Upcoming Events

Links

http://www.cdc.gov/

Documents

Family Planning Eligibility Form

Immunizations

Costs of Adult Immunizations

Pneumonia