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Flu

Flu Vaccinations

Flu Vaccinations
All Eagle County community members are encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated for seasonal flu every year. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccination at a regular clinic, provider office, or pharmacy.

Here is a list of locations throughout Eagle County to receive a vaccination.
 

Vail Health Locations

Colorado Mountain Medical - Avon, Dillon, Eagle, Vail

(970) 926-6340 | CMMHealth.org

 

Edwards Pharmacy - In the Shaw Cancer Center

(970) 569-7676 | ShawCancerCenter.org/Pharmacy
 

Vail Pharmacy - In Vail Health Hospital

(970) 479-7253 | VailHealth.org/Pharmacy
 
 

Non Vail Health Locations

City Market - Vail, Avon, Eagle

Walk-ins only | CityMarket.com/Flu
Mon. - Fri. 12pm - 7pm | Sat. 10am - 5pm | Sun. 10am - 4pm
 


Costco Pharmacy - Gypsum

(970) 328-7610 |  Costco.com/Pharmacy
*Appointments only
 


Eagle Public Health - Avon & Eagle

Avon (970) 328-9813, Eagle (970) 328-8840 |  eaglecounty.us/publichealth/flu

 


Mountain Family Health Center -  Edwards 

(970) 945-2840 | MountainFamily.org

 

Vail Valley Pharmacy - In Edwards Village Center

(970) 569-4150 | VailValleyPharmacy.com 

 

Walgreens - Avon

(970) 949-8097 | Walgreens.com/Avon
*Appointments only

 

Walmart Supercenter - Avon

(970) 949-6544 | Walmart.com/Avon
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Influenza?

Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
 
Every year in the United States on Average:
  • 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu.
  • More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.
  • About 36,000 people die from flu.

Cold, Flu or COVID?

Cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue? It could be a seasonal cold, the flu or COVID-19. If you or a loved one experience cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms, take these immediate steps to get care and prevent the spread of germs:  

1) Stay home.  
2) Call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call Colorado Mountain Medical at (970) 926-6340.
3) If you are struggling to breathe, call 9-1-1 immediately or visit the Emergency Department. Shortness of breath that suddenly worsens is a dangerous symptom of COVID-19.

How Do I Prevent The Flu?

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated during December and beyond still provides protection, as flu season normally peaks in January or later.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

In general, those who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
 
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including children aged six months until their fifth birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
 
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) and healthcare workers.

What Are Flu Symptoms?

Fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

What Are Complications Of The Flu?

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

How Does The Flu Spread?

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Do Antibiotics Work?

Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats and acute bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? It's true. Plus, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. When adults and children are given antibiotics incorrectly to treat viral infections, such as colds and flu, those patients aren't getting the best care for their condition.
 
Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing public health problems. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. Widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 
Taking antibiotics for viral infections - such as a cold, cough, the flu, and acute bronchitis:
  • Will not cure the infection.
  • Will not keep other individuals from catching the illness.
  • Will not help a person feel better.
  • May cause an unnecessary harmful side effect.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider says they are not needed. They will not help treat your infection.
  • Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a cough or the flu.
  • When you are prescribed an antibiotic:
    • Do not skip doses
    • Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick.
    • Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.