Influenza Vaccine

There are two types of vaccines:

• The "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• Flu Vaccine Information Sheet 2010-11

• The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
• Flu Vaccine Information Sheet 2010-11

Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

Learn more about the prevenion of influenza and symptoms.

Influenza fact sheet

During Flu Season, Get Your Flu Vaccine at Public Health!

Everyone can get their flu vaccine at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, 22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300. Public Health is located on the 3rd floor of Mohawk Square in downtown Mason City. For information on immunizations, call our clinic: (641) 421-9321 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581

 

Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?

In February 2010, the CDCs advisory committee on immunization practices expanded the recommendation for annual influenza vaccine to include all people ages 6 months and older.

 

Public Health Immunization Clinic Hours

Monday-Friday 10:00 AM- Noon and 12:30- 4:00 PM Extended Clinic Hours: 1st Monday of each month 10:00 AM-Noon and 12:30-6:30 PM