Once again, Estero Fire Rescue will be offering flu vaccines to our community to help protect the public from influenza. Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and is responsible for nearly 40,000 deaths per year. A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. The vaccine works by causing antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection and prevents transmission of the disease.
Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.
To assist you, your families and your staff, Estero Fire Rescue is offering Flu Vaccine Clinics at your location to provide this necessary vaccine. At a date and time convenient to you, paramedics from EFR will come to your office to administer the vaccine to anyone interested, ages 3 years of age and older.
Insurance is accepted as well as Medicare Part B. If you do not have insurance, EFR will accept cash, check or credit card.
The following vaccines are available:
- Regular vaccine – $27.00 (self-pay)
- High Dose (recommended for 65 and older) – $47.00 (self-pay)
To get your vaccine, stop by our administration office or fire station located at 21500 Three Oaks Parkway. Better yet – schedule a flu shot clinic at your business or community location. Contact Susan Lindenmuth at Estero Fire Rescue to schedule your Flu Vaccine Clinic. (239) 390-8000.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a High Dose flu vaccine?
A High-Dose vaccine is an influenza vaccine designed specifically for patients 65 years of age and older. Human immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. Also, ageing decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza vaccine. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is supposed to give older people a better immune response and therefore better protection against flu. This is critical for older patients who are at greater risk of flu-related complications.
Who should get vaccinated this season?
Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:
People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu
- This includes:
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
- Pregnant women.
- People 65 years and older.
- People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications
- This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.