Preparing For The Flu Season

VNA of Santa Cruz Offers Flu Vaccine

Getting vaccinated yearly is the best way to reduce changes of getting influenza , which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates causes 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S.

In addition, research results publicized in May established that among the elderly, flu shots protect those who are hospitalized with the flu from serious complications such as pneumonia, heart disease and stroke.

Scientists update the flu vaccine every year to include new viruses circulating through the population. Antibodies to those viruses develop two weeks after receiving the injection.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Santa Cruz makes it easy to get a protective flu shot in preparation for the flu season, which extends from October through December. In Santa Cruz County, the flu season doesn’t hit us until the end of February or early March, giving the public plenty of time to receive their vaccinations, said Janet Butler, RN, VNA Patient Care Supervisor.

Flu clinics are scheduled through December, at sites such as the Mid-County Senior Center in Capitola, Scotts Valley Senior Center, Temple Beth El in Aptos, Senior Citizen Opportunities in Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Medical Foundation. Butler noted that unlike last year, no shortages of the vaccine are anticipated and the supply is expected to be more than adequate.

For more information about cost of flu shots and this years schedule, visit the Services section of our web site.