Health officials make flu vaccine available

Vaccine for the coming flu season will be available starting Tuesday at the Allegheny County Health Department’s influenza vaccination clinic at 3441 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

The vaccine protects against the three strains of flu virus expected to circulate this season: H1N1 Type A, H3N2 Type A, and a Type B influenza virus. Acting health director Dr. Ron Voorhees recommends the vaccine as the best way to avoid getting the flu.

The clinic will offer the vaccine, while supplies last, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 1 to 8 p.m.

Free parking is available after 4:30 p.m. in the lot behind 3333 Forbes Ave. No appointment is necessary.

The “inactivated” vaccine as a flu shot is free to children from 6 months through 18 years old and as a covered benefit to people with Medicare Part B who are not in an HMO and are allowed to get vaccine from any Medicare-approved provider. The shots are priced at $25 for others.

The live vaccine, in the form of nasal spray and approved for people from 2 through 49 years old with no chronic medical condition, is free for children and $10 for those ages 19-49.

A limited supply of injectable flu vaccine without thimerosal will be offered free to children ages 6 months to 18 years. People can call 412-687-2243 to make sure it’s available.

Ample supplies of flu vaccine are expected to be available, according to health officials. Since in recent years the flu has appeared in January and February, getting the vaccine in December is usually effective.