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Health Department Reminds Residents to Get Flu Vaccine

Published on October 17, 2023

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today reminded residents that flu vaccine plays a key role in staying healthy this fall and winter when flu and other respiratory viruses will be circulating at the same time.

“Flu is here, and we’ve seen a handful of cases in Lincoln and Lancaster County,” said Pat Lopez, Health Director. “Now is a good time to get your flu vaccine so your body can build protection before flu season really ramps up.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older every year. It is especially important for those at greater risk for serious complications receive flu vaccine. They include:

Adults 65 and older
Adults with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease
Pregnant people
Children younger than age 5, but especially those younger than 2 years old

Vaccination is the best way to protect against flu. Flu is a highly contagious disease of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to hospitalization and death. Vaccination can reduce flu-related illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school and flu-related hospitalizations.

Flu vaccine is widely available in the community. Residents are encouraged to contact a health care provider or find a flu vaccine location at vaccines.gov.

LLCHD provides flu vaccine to uninsured and underinsured adults. Children between ages 6 months through 18 years are also eligible and must meet one or more of these criteria:

Have Medicaid coverage
Uninsured
American Indian and/or Alaskan Native
Underinsured

For more information, call 402-441-8065 or visit health.lincoln.ne.gov and select “Vaccine Clinic” under “Community Health Services.”

Updated COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time.

For more information about seasonal flu, visit cdc.gov/flu.