Flu Shots
Flu Shots and Pneumonia Shots
Fact Sheet on the new Fluzone High Dose Flu Vaccine made especially for Seniors over 65 |
By the grace of God our practice has offered flu shots and pneumonia shots to the general public for many years, even during times of vaccine “shortage”. We accept assignment from Medicare B, Humana Medicare PPO and several Medicare Fee For Service (“Advantage”) plans. We do not accept Medicare HMO’s.
New for this year we are pleased to file claims to and accept assignment from Blue Cross, Cigna or United Health Care once we have verified you have coverage for these vaccines. Any co-pays or deductibles are payable at time of service. Vaccine related charges are payable by cash or check only.
Please bring a copy of your Medicare card or insurance card and a copy of your driver’s license to enable us to file your insurance accurately. For other insurances we ask that you pay for your shots at time of service. We can provide you a receipt which you may submit for reimbursement.
For periodic updates on our flu shot program call 1- 888-847-8774.
Other Vaccines available at E.C.H.C.
We offer shots to prevent flu, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus/diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, and typhoid fever. New for 2008 we can also provide Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, and certain vaccines for travel including hepatitis A and typhoid. For more information call our Lady Lake office at (352) 259-1991.
Frequently asked questions
about flu shots, shingles shots and other vaccines
Q: Is it too early if I take my flu shot before October?
A: No. In 2007 and 2008 the first lots of flu vaccine were released by the FDA in mid-August. The American College on Immunization Practices recommends that flu shots begin shortly after flu vaccine becomes available and continue throughout flu season. Although flu usually peaks during October to March, outbreaks of flu can occur at other times of the year. It takes about two weeks to build up resistance to flu after you receive a flu shot.
Q: Can I take a shingles shot if I have already had shingles?
A: Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and other vaccine experts recommend that shingles vaccine be offered to anyone over 60, even if they have had shingles already.
Q: I don’t think I ever had chicken pox. Can I still take shingles vaccine?
A: Yes, if you are over 60 you should take the vaccine even if you do not recall having chickenpox. 90% of adults have had chickenpox at some point although some don’t remember the episode. For the 10% who truly have not had chickenpox before, there is no known danger to taking the shingles vaccine anyway.
Q: How often do I need a pneumonia shot?
A: Pneumonia vaccine is recommended once for healthy persons over the age of 50 and high-risk individuals two years old and above. If you have no other health problems, then pneumonia vaccine should be repeated just once at or after the age of 65. If you have risk factors that weaken your immune system, you may require a booster to your pneumonia shot after 5 years regardless of your age.
Q: How often do I need a booster for my tetanus shot?
A: Tetanus booster shots should be repeated every 10 years. If you have a severe cut or “dirty” puncture wound you should get a tetanus booster shot if it has been more than 5 years since your last booster.
