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Flu Shot Season is Underway

By David Meyer

09/19/2012

(KAIR) -- People are starting to see the signs “Flu shots available here!” outside several businesses when they drive around their community, as it’s a literal sign that flu season is officially here.

This year’s general flu shot vaccine fights three different viruses: including the H1N1-like virus from last year’s flu shots, as well as two new strains.

The Victoria 2011 H3N2 like-virus and “B” Wisconsin 2010-like virus are also included in the shot.

According to the Center for Disease Control, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year.

This leads to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications.

Influenza seasons are unpredictable and can be severe, with annual influenza-related deaths ranging from a low of about 3,000 to a high of 49,000 people in the U.S.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Atchison Hospital Registered Nurse Carla Forbes says for those that may be a little nervous to get a shot, there’s an easier way to take the shot at their hospital.

(Play Audio) RT: :17

CVS Pharmacy started offering their shots for September 1st.

Pharmacist Elizabeth Ogden reports that CVS has executed 20 shots in-store and one outside clinic.

They will be providing the shot until the end of March.

An in-depth discussion of the flu season will be this week’s topic on the “Best Care on the Air” Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

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