FLU SHOTS offer protection
We offer flu shots for children and adults at Bella from our Englewood campus between the months of October to March.
Patients who receive a flu shot are less likely to develop the flu, or, if they do contract the illness, less likely to develop serious complications.
Flu season is typically at its peak between the months of January to March.
It’s a good idea for you to get your shot before flu season peaks, as vaccines generally take a few weeks to really begin doing their job.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE A FLU SHOT AT BELLA?
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON THE BOOKS | Simply request a shot at your appointment. Often, we can give guest patients (like mom or dad at a pediatric appointment) a vaccine, too.
IF YOU HAVE ARE AN EXISTING PATIENT WITHOUT AN UPCOMING APPOINTMENT | Call to schedule a nurse’s visit. Nurses typically administer the flu vaccine between the hours of 3:00 to 4:00 daily (in season).
IF YOU ARE A NEW PATIENT | Call to register as a new patient, and we will get you scheduled. We love to begin new long-term relationships with patients.
should women who are pregnant receive the flu shot?
Absolutely. The CDC reports that pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk for influenza-related complications. Pregnant women are also more likely to be hospitalized with flu than women of reproductive age who are not pregnant.
Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu, including illness resulting in hospitalization.
Flu may also be harmful for a pregnant woman’s developing baby. A common flu symptom is fever, which may be associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Getting vaccinated can also help protect a baby after birth from flu (the pregnant mother passes antibodies on to the developing baby during pregnancy).
Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half. A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40 percent. Pregnant women who get a flu vaccine also are helping to protect their babies from flu illness for the first several months after their birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.
should children Get the flu shot?
Probably. According to the CDC, children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. A flu vaccine offers the best defense against flu and its potentially serious consequences. Vaccination can also reduce the spread of flu to others. Getting vaccinated against flu has been shown to reduce flu illnesses, sick visits to the doctor, missed work and school days, and reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children.
What if i am already feeling sick with the flu?
Bella can help. There are therapies that can help relieve some of the symptoms of the flu. There are also rapid tests that will allow us to diagnose you precisely. Please call our office at 303-789-4968 to schedule testing and treatment for the flu.