Health Department Reminds Public to Get Flu Vaccine

Published on November 14, 2024

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

“LLCHD tracks flu every season and flu activity in our community is currently low. Now is a good time to get your flu vaccine so you have protection going into the holiday season when we spend more time with others indoors and flu and other respiratory viruses can spread more easily,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older every year. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, and it’s especially important they receive flu vaccine:   

  • 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 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years

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 on flu vaccination, call 402-441-8065 or visit lincoln.ne.gov/health (select “Vaccine Clinic” under “Community Health Services”).

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

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another common respiratory virus that can be dangerous for infants, young children and older adults. The CDC recommends RSV vaccine for adults 75 years and older and adults 60 to 74 at increased risk of severe illness from RSV. RSV vaccine is also available for pregnant people.

There is an RSV preventive antibody injection for babies younger than 8 months during respiratory illness season. It’s recommended for young children age 8 months to 19 months who are considered high risk. Talk to your health care provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you.

For more information about seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses, visit cdc.gov/flu.

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