Our influenza vaccine shipment has arrived and there is plenty to go around.  To get yours, please call soon and make your appointment. 

If you have private insurance or Medicare, the cost of the vaccine most likely will be covered.  Otherwise, the cost is $25 to get the vaccine.

Questions about the Flu Vaccine like who should get it and why you need it?  Here are some facts: (from the Center for Disease Control- CDC)
 

Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each fall.

What is the "flu shot"—an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus)  The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

When to Get Vaccinated

October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated.  But specially at high risk are the following (CDC recommends that anyone that fits into these categories gets vaccinated yearly): 

1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

• Children aged 6–59 months,
• Pregnant women,
• People 50 years of age and older,
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
• Healthcare workers.

    2.  Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
• Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age.
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)

      The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you CANNOT get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. 

• AGAIN  REMEMBER THAT the best protection you and your loved ones have against the flu is to get a flu shot each fall.
   

Other ways to prevent getting colds:

• Wash your hands often. Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting and spreading colds and the flu. Using just plain soap and warm water is as effective as using antibacterial products.
   
• Cover your cough. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands, if possible. If you do use your hands, wash them as soon as you can.
  
   
• Avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses are often spread by touching something or someone that is contaminated with germs and then rubbing your eyes or nose, or touching your mouth.
  
   
• Clean surfaces (such as counter tops, telephones, toys, cups, bathroom sinks) that sick children or adults may have contaminated.
  
   
• Don't smoke. If you would like to stop smoking, make your appointment today with us at ABM Medical Clinic.  Our Hypnotherapist has an extremely high success rate with smoking cessation and her services may be covered by insurance.
  
   
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet, exercise to keep your immune system working its best.
  
   
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps build your body's natural defenses for fighting off infection.
  
   
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can compromise your immune system.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

ABM Medical Clinic & Cosmetic Laser Services
22110 Roscoe Blvd. #100
West Hills, CA 91304
(818) 222-8042