Flu Vaccinations Frequent Question & Answers

Will a flu vaccination stop me from getting the flu?

Getting an annual flu vaccination can help prevent some of the illness, and possibly deaths, caused by influenza (the "flu"). A flu vaccination can be given to most people over 6 months of age. This vaccination decreases both the chances of contracting flu and its severity.

How does the flu vaccination work?

The flu vaccine helps the body produce antibodies that help in destroying flu viruses. These viruses are constantly changing, so different virus strains must be incorporated in vaccines from one year to the next. That's why yearly flu vaccination are necessary.

Should everyone get a flu vaccination?

Those most at risk for severe flu such as the elderly and people with certain chronic medical conditions should get a yearly vaccination. You may still get the flu, but it may be less severe.

Those 'at risk' include:

  • People over the age of 65
  • Adults and children of any age with any of the following conditions:
    • Chronic heart disease, including angina and heart failure
    • Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis or emphysema
    • Kidney disease or anyone on dialysis
    • Diabetes
    • Immune suppression due to disease such as HIV or drug- or radio-therapy or any form of chemotherapy
    • Anyone living in nursing, residential or long-stay homes or other long-stay facilities where the spread of the virus is more likely.

How much does a flu vaccination cost?

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency offers flu vaccination for those at risk. The vaccinations are free if you have Medicare Part B, and $5 for all others, including those with Medi-Cal. For information, call the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Information and Referral Line toll-free at 1-800-834-7121.

How do I get more information on the flu?