High dose Flu shots

[bjd0105]

I'm a pharmacy technician for 12 years now at CVS inside Target. I get my flu shot as soon as we get them in. The shot last for about 9 months so there is no such thing as getting it to early. There is such a thing as getting it to late. It takes a week to become 100% effective. We have all shots available pneumonia, shingles, high dose flu shot, etc. We do give a $5 coupon for Target for the flu shot. No appointment needed so I hope to see you soon. We also do flu clinics as well so if your interested please call 352-205-8943. Thank you for your time.

[davem4616]

good to know...thanks for sharing

[retiredguy123]

I'm a pharmacy technician for 12 years now at CVS inside Target. I get my flu shot as soon as we get them in. The shot last for about 9 months so there is no such thing as getting it to early. There is such a thing as getting it to late. It takes a week to become 100% effective. We have all shots available pneumonia, shingles, high dose flu shot, etc. We do give a $5 coupon for Target for the flu shot. No appointment needed so I hope to see you soon. We also do flu clinics as well so if your interested please call 352-205-8943. Thank you for your time.
Thanks. It seems as though pharmacists don't agree with the CDC advice that older people should not get the flu shot until at least September. If they did, they wouldn't even stock the high dose vaccine this early. Is that correct?

[Altavia]

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6207a1.htm#RecommendationsUseInfluenzaVaccines20 1314InfluenzaSeason)

Timing of Vaccination
In general, health-care providers should begin offering vaccination soon after vaccine becomes available and, if possible, by October.

All children aged 6 months through 8 years who are recommended for 2 doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after vaccine becomes available; these children should receive the second dose ≥4 weeks later.

This practice increases the opportunity for both doses to be administered before or shortly after the onset of influenza activity. To avoid missed opportunities for vaccination, providers should offer vaccination during routine health-care visits or during hospitalizations whenever vaccine is available.

Vaccination efforts should be structured to ensure the vaccination of as many persons as possible before influenza activity in the community begins. In any given year, the optimal time to vaccinate cannot be determined precisely because influenza seasons vary in their timing and duration, and more than one outbreak might occur in a single community in a single year. In the United States, localized outbreaks that indicate the start of seasonal influenza activity can occur as early as October. However, in >80% of influenza seasons since 1976, peak influenza activity (which often is close to the midpoint of influenza activity for the season) has not occurred until January or later, and in >60% of seasons, the peak was in February or later.

[Altavia]

Social distancing has also significantly reduced the occurance of all upper respiratory infections.

Since herd immunity to the flu may not occur this year, wondering if getting vaccinated to the flu maybe even more important?

Syndromic Trends (https://syndromictrends.com/metric/panel/rp/percent_positivity/organism/main)

[retiredguy123]

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6207a1.htm#RecommendationsUseInfluenzaVaccines20 1314InfluenzaSeason)

Timing of Vaccination
In general, health-care providers should begin offering vaccination soon after vaccine becomes available and, if possible, by October.

All children aged 6 months through 8 years who are recommended for 2 doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after vaccine becomes available; these children should receive the second dose ≥4 weeks later.

This practice increases the opportunity for both doses to be administered before or shortly after the onset of influenza activity. To avoid missed opportunities for vaccination, providers should offer vaccination during routine health-care visits or during hospitalizations whenever vaccine is available.

Vaccination efforts should be structured to ensure the vaccination of as many persons as possible before influenza activity in the community begins. In any given year, the optimal time to vaccinate cannot be determined precisely because influenza seasons vary in their timing and duration, and more than one outbreak might occur in a single community in a single year. In the United States, localized outbreaks that indicate the start of seasonal influenza activity can occur as early as October. However, in >80% of influenza seasons since 1976, peak influenza activity (which often is close to the midpoint of influenza activity for the season) has not occurred until January or later, and in >60% of seasons, the peak was in February or later.
I think that link is about 7 years old. The latest CDC guidamce I can find says that August is too early for older people to get the flu vaccine.

[Stu from NYC]

Before we moved here earlier this year we always get our flu shot in our DR office.

First time hearing the term high dosage shot.

Can some please explain.

[champion6]

Before we moved here earlier this year we always get our flu shot in our DR office.

First time hearing the term high dosage shot.

Can some please explain.Just use google.The CDC explanation (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/qa_fluzone.htm)

[Stu from NYC]

Just use google.The CDC explanation (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/qa_fluzone.htm)

Thanks for the info.

Since my favorite wife tends to get reactions from flu shots think we will stick with the regular one.

[bjd0105]

I have never heard of the CDC saying this. Everyone has their own opinion on when to get their shot. The flu season starts earlier here due to the snowbirds bring the flu with them. Florida's flu season is typically starts in October in non snowbirds areas. Last year the first flu case in this area was recorded early August. I hope this helps

[bjd0105]

High dose is a higher concentration of the flu shot for people over the age of 65 or people with severely weekend immune system. Hope this helps.

[retiredguy123]

I have never heard of the CDC saying this. Everyone has their own opinion on when to get their shot. The flu season starts earlier here due to the snowbirds bring the flu with them. Florida's flu season is typically starts in October in non snowbirds areas. Last year the first flu case in this area was recorded early August. I hope this helps
Quote from the CDC website:

"Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season."

[graciegirl]

High dose is a higher concentration of the flu shot for people over the age of 65 or people with severely weekend immune system. Hope this helps.

High dose is for ALL older people. Daughter Helene who is 54 gets regular and her dad and I always get super crispy.

Snowbird season's peak here is January, February and March. Sub peak starts in October.

This year it may not happen as usual at all.

[Nucky]

Our Primary Dr, who happens to be The Finest Dr. In The Villages @ Santa Barbara Health Care Center asked that we don't get the early shot and that we not go elsewhere for the shot. I didn't put him on cross-examination. I listened to him. We've never been better since we've been under their collective care but he is the one who guides us in all medical things. We are grateful to have him. If I give his name I'll never get an appointment. Sorry!

[graciegirl]

Our Primary Dr, who happens to be The Finest Dr. In The Villages @ Santa Barbara Health Care Center asked that we don't get the early shot and that we not go elsewhere for the shot. I didn't put him on cross-examination. I listened to him. We've never been better since we've been under their collective care but he is the one who guides us in all medical things. We are grateful to have him. If I give his name I'll never get an appointment. Sorry!

I agree with you as usual except we have the finest doctor in The Villages who is at The Villages Health in Creekside. I wanted to see if he was single and he would marry our granddaughter and he is but she and he have other plans. I don't just like him I pretty close to adore him and I will say his name. Dr. Rizzi. He is originally from Brooklyn but he doesn't even talk funny and say "cu-aw-fee".

[CFrance]

Thanks for the info.

Since my favorite wife tends to get reactions from flu shots think we will stick with the regular one.
Years ago when they were giving the flu shot out at one of the rec centers, it was recommended to me that I get the high dose. I was sick for a couple of days and have never gotten the high dose since. Nor have I gotten the flu since I started getting the flu shot (1995). So I rely on the regular dose.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Our Primary Dr, who happens to be The Finest Dr. In The Villages @ Santa Barbara Health Care Center asked that we don't get the early shot and that we not go elsewhere for the shot. I didn't put him on cross-examination. I listened to him. We've never been better since we've been under their collective care but he is the one who guides us in all medical things. We are grateful to have him. If I give his name I'll never get an appointment. Sorry!

I go to the same bunch of doctors! (If yours has a wife also in the same practice, then we have the same doctor!)

He hasn't urged me not to get a shot anywhere other than his office, but I'm also a new patient (first year), and he can see from my medical records that I am VERY responsible and conservative when it comes to my health.

I'm of the age that - if I don't take excellent care now, it'll bite me in just a few more years. My "last chance" to do it right, more or less.

I'll be getting the regular shot, in early September. I'll get it at Publix, and make bank on that $10 gift card!