Flu vaccines; Shoot the shot and dismiss the mist

With influenza more dangerous than ever this year, employees are encouraged to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines have proven to be extremely effective in preventing the onset and spread of the flu.

Each year a new vaccine is needed, because the tricky flu viruses change about as often as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding plans.

There are two methods for administering the vaccine – the shot and a nasal spray called FluMist.

The biggest difference between the two is cost. The mist is no more effective than the shot but is drastically more expensive. The average FluMist vaccine is about $55.

If you go to the doctor’s office for your flu shot only the standard injection is covered. You will pay the regular copay or coinsurance cost.

Several groups of people shouldn’t get the FluMist vaccine. This includes children less than 5, adults older than 50, and people with a history of allergies.

In November, the city provided flu shots for employees in the lobby of 611 Walker and at the Health & Human Services Department at N. Stadium Drive. The price for employees was slashed from $15 to $10, because the city picked up one-third of the tab.

These preventive shots are provided annually. Next summer, start checking the Benefits Alert page for information about employee flu shots in 2004.