Why is it important to immunize?
Getting your child vaccinated helps protect others in your community—like your neighbor who has cancer and cannot get certain vaccines, or your friend’s newborn baby who is too young to be fully vaccinated. When everyone in a community who can get vaccinated does get vaccinated, it helps to prevent the spread of disease and can slow or stop an outbreak.
Who should get vaccinated and what are the recommended vaccination schedules for children, teens, and adults?
Vaccinations are important for people of all ages. Please call your local health department to review recommended vaccine schedules. One of our knowledgeable nurses can walk you through the process.
What are the risks of not getting vaccinated?
You are at risk for developing a vaccine-preventable disease. You can infect others in the community. Unvaccinated people can infect others who can’t be immunized for medical reasons.
What insurance plans are accepted for vaccinations? If my child does not have Medicaid or any other type of insurance, can he/she still receive immunizations?
We accept all major types of insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. If your child does not have insurance they can still receive immunizations. The vaccine is provided free of charge, you will only be charged for the administration fee.
What do I need to bring with me to get my child’s immunizations?
Please bring your child’s immunization record.
I will be attending college soon; can the Clinic provide me with a copy of my immunization record?
If you have received immunizations at Panhandle Health District in the past, we can provide you a record. If you have received vaccines in Idaho at another provider, and they are listed in Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS), we can provide you a record.
I have plans to travel outside the country. Where can I find travel alerts, vaccine requirements and health notices about the country I’m visiting?
You can call Panhandle Health District or visit www.cdc.gov/travel for information.
Who should get flu vaccine?
Everyone six months and older should get a yearly flu shot! Certain populations are at greater risk for serious complications and are especially encouraged to get a flu vaccine, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Young children, especially those between 6 months and five years
- Children and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special healthcare needs, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months of age as these children are too young to be vaccinated.
- Healthcare professionals and caregivers of people in any of the above groups
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. Flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The vaccine is made with flu viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are therefore not infectious and cannot cause illness.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
In general, people who have egg allergies can still receive flu vaccine. Studies that have examined the use of flu shots in egg-allergic and non-egg-allergic patients indicate that severe allergic reactions in people with egg allergies are unlikely. Our providers screen for egg allergies before you receive your flu shot.
What can be done to prevent the spread of flu?
- Get a flu vaccine every year.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, not your bare hand.
- Use a tissue to wipe your nose, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel or disposable wipes.
- Stay home and away from others while you or your family members are sick.
- Practice good health habits such as getting enough sleep, exercise, stress management, plenty of fluids, and health diet.
- Wear a mask to cover your face in a medical office, if asked.
What are the symptoms of flu?
- Fever
- Cough, which can be severe
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Headache, which can be severe
- Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea–this is more common in children than in adults