Louisville It’s Time to Prepare for Flu Season – What You Should Know
Every year about this time the CDC in Atlanta issues a public health statement with its projections for the upcoming flu season along with any changes that have been made in vaccines. Flu shots are already available so it’s time to speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated for the 2016 – 2017 influenza season.
If You Don’t Have a Doctor
Even with the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, there are still people out there who don’t have a family doctor or a healthcare clinic that they visit regularly as a patient. In the event that you don’t have a family doctor or clinic you are enrolled in, contact one of the Public Health Centers in Louisville for information on how you can protect yourself and your family against this year’s strains. Most public health offices around the country are coordinated by a professional with a master in public health so you can be assured that the latest information is being dispatched from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in Atlanta to program administrators for immediate release to the general public.
Public Health Centers in Louisville
Those who have need of a flu shot can contact one of three Public Health Centers in the Louisville area which include Middletown, Newburg and Dixie Health Clinics. You would need to call the nearest center to where you are located to make arrangements to get your 2016 – 2017 flu vaccination as there is no central reception number to coordinate all three centers. Each makes their own appointments but general information can be found on the Louisville government website.
This Year’s Shots Have Changed Somewhat
The CDC is advising the general public that only injectable flu shots are recommended and that there are five options, some of which are age-dependent. This year’s flu vaccinations include:
- Standard Dose – 2 kinds with one being IM and the other subcutaneous.
- High Dose – for those 65 years and older.
- Shot with adjuvant for those 65 and older.
- Shot made from in-culture live virus.
- Recombinant vaccine using technology and not live viruses.
While there is still nasal mist available at some clinics, the CDC does not recommend this type of vaccine and is actually advising against it based on this year’s formulations. If you have any questions, you are free to visit the Frequently Asked Questions page of the CDC website.
Since public health is a huge priority in the country, no one will be turned away due to being unable to pay. Public health officials are always happy to hear from the general public regarding any questions they may have to help avoid the spread of panic. If you are interested in a career in the public health sector with a passion for helping others in your community, you can talk to a local university or study for an MPH degree online. Your community counts on dedicated individuals willing to serve their neighbors so this is a career that will serve the common good as well as taking you forward into your own future. Check out your options to see if this path is right for you.
