School is back in session, the days are cooling down and the flu season is heating up. While scheduling time to receive your flu shot may seem like just one more task on an already-busy calendar, getting vaccinated is one the best ways to “buck the flu” this year and keep yourself and your family healthy.
Because the flu virus changes every year, so does the shot. This means the vaccination’s efficacy may vary year to year – but the vaccination isn’t all about eliminating the chance of getting the flu.
Studies have also shown the flu vaccination can reduce the severity of illness for those who have been vaccinated but still get sick. This means the vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalizations as well.
The flu vaccine is an important preventative tool for people with certain health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. It can also protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and protect their infants from flu in the first few months of life.
To make it easier to stay in the saddle this flu season, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care clinic is offering Flu Shot Fridays from 1 – 4 p.m. Call or text 307.675.2690, or simply stop by the clinic at 61 S. Gould St. to get your flu shot. Most insurance plans cover the cost of vaccinations, so flu vaccinations can often be received without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card and a form of ID, such as a driver’s license.
Can’t make it to Flu Shot Fridays? Flu vaccinations are also available in other SMH clinics. Be sure to ask your provider if you can get the vaccine while you’re being seen for your appointment. Vaccinations are also available at many local pharmacies.
Let’s buck the flu together this year!