Like Christmas decorations in department stores, flu season is inevitable this time of year.
But the flu itself is avoidable, health officials say. And this year, unlike in years past, there are no significant problems in the manufacture or distribution of flu vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Earlier this month, federal health officials said they expected vaccine to be widely available by the end of October.
The exception is vaccine for children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised parents that shots for children ages 6 months through 3 years probably won’t be available at least until November. Sanofi Pasteur, the sole maker of flu vaccine approved for children ages 3 and younger, announced a shipment delay.
The CDC recommends that children ages 6 months to 5 years get the flu vaccine. Those getting it for the first time need two doses four weeks apart.
Generally, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.
According to the CDC, only six states – Alaska, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, West Virginia and Florida – had reported any flu cases as of Oct. 7.
Colorado’s health department no longer all tracks cases of the flu, just deaths and severe cases that require hospitalization. To date, there are no reports of anyone in Colorado being hospitalized with the flu, said spokesman Mark Salley.
King Soopers, Safeway and Walgreens stores will offer flu shots at locations throughout the state.
Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club will offer vaccines Oct. 28 and 29. Locations are listed at wal-mart .com (click on “Wal-Mart Events”) or at 1-888-881-0372.
Where to get a flu shot
Here are some flu-shot clinics open to the public:
Acute Illness and Injury Center, 9330 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, will offer shots for $20 on a walk-in basis through December, as long as the supply of vaccine lasts.
Kmart Pharmacies will hold clinics through November. Shots are $25; $40 for pneumonia vaccine. Dates and times are available at 1-800-822-8345.
Littleton Adventist Hospital, 7700 S. Broadway, will offer clinics numerous days and various times through Dec. 10. Cost is $26 for the flu shot, $30 for FluMist; $40 for pneumonia vaccine. Call 303-765-6175 for exact days and times.
St. Anthony Central Hospital, 4231 W. 16th Ave., Nov. 11 and 18.
St. Anthony North, 2551 W. 84th Ave.,Westminster, will offer intermittent clinics from Oct. 28 through Dec. 9. Call 303-426-2151 for exact dates and times. Shots are $26 each.
Visiting Nurse Association will offer weekly clinics at its office, 390 Grant St. in Denver, through December. VNA will also offer shots to parents and children on weekends through Nov. 12 around the metro area, including clinics at such child-friendly locations as the Children’s Museum in Denver and the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Shots are $25. Exact times and locations are available at 303-698-6378 or vnacolorado.org.
Clinics can be found across Colorado
A complete list of flu-shot clinics for the Denver metro area and across the state is available at www.immunizecolorado.com or 877-462-2911.
