Influenza Season

While the two most recent flu seasons involved very low activity levels, a Wyoming Department of Health official says this influenza season may be different and flu shots can help protect Wyoming residents from serious illness.  State Health Officer and Epidemiologist with the Department of Health Dr. Alexia Harrist said flu shots are safe and continue to be the most important strategy for protection against influenza as the flu vaccines reduce illness, hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials recommend flu shots for everyone six months of age or older.

Although most healthy people recover from influenza, they still experience an unpleasant illness that can mean missing work, school or other activities. They may also pass along the virus to other people who may be at high risk for serious complications and illness. Harrist noted it is considered safe for people who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses to receive them at the same time they receive a flu shot. Flu vaccines are especially important for those vulnerable populations such as young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease; and people 65 years and older. Healthcare workers and people who may live with, care for, or are in contact with high risk individuals or infants six months of age and under, should also get the flu vaccine. Harrist explained that it takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for it to offer protection. 

Influenza vaccines are available in many locations, including local public health nursing offices, workplaces, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and retail stores and are covered by most insurance plans. In addition, Wyoming’s public vaccine programs, which are available at participating providers, help protect some adults and children from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as influenza, at little to no cost for eligible patients. COVID-19 vaccine doses are available in many of the same locations and currently remain available at no cost.