LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) reminded people Tuesday to get their flu shot. The Ministry of Health announced that flu and other respiratory viruses will circulate at the same time this fall and winter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older each year. It’s especially important for those at higher risk of serious complications to get the flu shot, the CDC said. They include:
- Adults 65 and older
- Adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease
- Pregnant people
- Children under the age of 5, but especially those under the age of 2
“The flu is here and we’ve seen a few cases in Lincoln and Lancaster County,” said Pat Lopez, director of health. “Now is a good time to get a flu shot so your body can build up protection before flu season really kicks in.”
LLCHD provides flu vaccine to uninsured and underinsured adults. Children aged 6 months to 18 years are also eligible and must meet one or more of these criteria:
- Have Medicaid coverage
- Unsecured
- American Indians and/or Alaska Natives
- Underinsured
Flu vaccine is widely available in the community. Residents are encouraged to contact a health care provider or find a place to get a flu shot vaccines.gov.
For more information, call 402-441-8065 or visit health.lincoln.ne.gov and select “Vaccine Clinic” under “Community Health Services”.
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