October is optimal time to get flu vaccine

RUSSELLVILLE — Flu shots are expected to be available in abundance, and this is the best time of the year to get them, officials said.

“Flu shots should be available all over the place,” said District Medical Director Dr. Wes Stubblefield of the Alabama Department of Public Health. “There’s been no availability problems as far as I’ve heard. This year it’s a combination of three strains, just like last year.”

Stubblefield said October is an optimal time to receive the shots ahead of the flu season, which he said typically peaks around the first of the year in Alabama.

“The vaccine is usually well covered by insurance,” he said. “The Centers for Disease Control is predicting a season just like last year, which means high flu activity.”

Stubblefield said he has not noticed an increase in flu reports at this point, based on emergency room data.

The Franklin County Health Department offers flu shots. The cost is $5 for anyone who does not have insurance.

• Shots are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Its drive-thru clinic already has taken place.

Stubblefield said children under age 9 who have never had a flu vaccine will receive the vaccine and then come back from a second dose.

He said a different type of vaccine is recommended for those 65 and older or who have had a solid organ transplant.

“So, they need to ask about that,” Stubblefield said. “Those are not always available at every location but it’s always worthwhile to ask.”

The Alabama Department of Public Health has a public dashboard that is available on its website by searching “respiratory viral diseases.” Stubblefield said the dashboard contains information on percentage of emergency room visits reporting systems of a respiratory virus.

The most recent one is for the week ending Oct. 11 and lists that percentage at 0.67%, including 0.19% for influenza.