Schedule Your Flu Shot Now

We all know that influenza innoculations (flu shots) were almost entirely unavailable last year. That is not the case this year, however. Many flu shot locations have scheduled shots: State and local Health Offices, Schools, Hospitals, Clinics, your doctor's office, and even supermarkets operate as flu shot clinics. So there is no excuse for your not getting one this year to protect you from this very debilitating and incapacitating illnes.

Check you loacal newspapers and sign up early so that you can be protected for the flu season.

If you are allergic to needles or just have an aversion to them a new alternative to the flu shots is FluMist.This is a nasal spraythat you can inhale.

Providing flu shots is a business as well as a service. Fee for flu shots ranges from $10 to $25 or $30, although no one will be denied if they are unable to pay. Pneumonia vaccines are $35 to 50. New coverage of annual flu shots is available for the elderly and disabled persons enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers medical services. Priority for Flu shots is given to the elderly and people with serious health problems. Providing flu shots is also part of an overall effort by some employers to make sure workers stay healthy.

One benefit of the flu shot is that it decreases ear infections and cuts down on your use of antibiotics. A common misconception about flu shots is they can actually give you the flu.

The best time to get flu shots is October or November, before flu season typically begins. Although demand for flu shots is highest before Thanksgiving, doctors say people can protect themselves by getting vaccinated through February. The optimal time for flu shots is during October through November; however, it is clinically beneficial to be vaccinated through December and January. That means the time to plan and schedule this year's flu shots is now.

Avoiding flu shots should be a no-brainer.