Flu Shots

Sedgwick County > Health Department > Health Protection > Flu Shots

The 2009-2010 flu season has been especially challenging, dealing with vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. Please remember that the seasonal flu vaccine does NOT protect you against H1N1 and vice-versa. Both vaccinations are needed this flu season.

An important difference in the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains are the priority groups for vaccination. Persons who are considered high-risk are strongly encouraged to get the appropriate flu shot.

Priority groups for the seasonal flu include:

Pregnant women
Healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children ages <6 months
Children older than 6 months
Persons ages >65
Residents of long-term-care facilities
People of any age with chronic medical conditions (i.e. heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney or blood disorders, lung disease, HIV/AIDs)

Priority groups for the H1N1 flu include:

Pregnant women
Healthcare and emergency services personnel
Caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
People age 6 months through 24 years
People age 25 through 64 years with chronic medical conditions (i.e. heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney or blood disorders, lung disease, HIV/AIDs)

Besides vaccination, there are other ways to protect yourself from the flu. The Sedgwick County Health Department offers these suggestions to help keep yourself and those around you healthy:

Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often, especially before touching food, face, nose, eyes or mouth.
Stay home if you're sick.
Limit visits to hospitals and nursing homes.
If you become ill, consult your primary care physician or health care provider.

Download Sedgwick County's poster on proper hand washing. This poster is perfect for posting in your office or school. Click here to learn more about seasonal flu.