SALT LAKE CITY – It’s already that time of year, flu season.
Doctors are now encouraging patients to get the vaccine.
Many companies are scheduling their employee flu shots, including Salt Lake County.
The county said anyone 6 months and older needs to get a flu shot this season.
Even though the state health department said flu season officially begins Oct. 4, the county said flu season starts now and lasts through March.
Salt Lake County said it will give out the shots as long as it has the vaccines.
MAP: Find nearest health department to get your flu shot
State health officials said anyone who has the flu should not go to school or work.
The flu is very contagious; the county is asking you to see a doctor and then stay home until you’re healthy again.
The vaccine contains four strains of the virus the Centers for Disease Control said it believes will be most prevalent this year.
“We try to emphasize the fact that the flu is a really serious disease to children,” Sharon Moon said, Salt Lake County Health Department Immunization Coordinator. “And every year children die from the flu. And even though they may not like getting it [the vaccine], it is so much better than the disease.”
The shot is $32 at most pharmacies and the nasal spray vaccine is $34.
Most insurance companies cover the cost of the vaccine under preventative care.
