Seasonal Flu

Click here, for the 2011-2012 Seasonal Flu Form.

Flu: Questions and Answers

  • When will seasonal flu vaccine be available?

Seasonal flu vaccine has been available since Sept, 12th, 2011.

  • Who needs a flu shot? 

Flu shots are recommended annually for all individuals 6 months and older, especially those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, or long term aspirin therapy.  Children under 9 years of age getting flu vaccine for the first time should get 2 doses, 1 month apart. More facts about flu ...

  • What about pregnant women or if there is a baby in the household?

Flu shots are recommended for pregnant women and all household contacts & caregivers of infants under 6 months of age.

More information about protecting babies

  • When is the best time to come? (How can I avoid a long wait time?)

Come early! The Immunizations Clinic is located at:

Ingham County Health Department, 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing

(Please enter Door #3, 2nd floor-Room 206)

Mass community flu clinic dates:

  1. October 3rd,  9:30 - 11:00 and 1:00 - 4:00
  2. October 10th,  9:30 - 11:00 and 1:00 - 4:00
  3. October 31st,  9:30 - 11:00 and 1:00 - 4:00
  4. November 9th, 9:30 - 11:00 and 1:00 - 6:00

  • What is the cost?

Immunizations walk-in clinic: $45.  (Starting October 1st, 2011 - $34)

  • Will my health insurance be accepted?

The Ingham County Health Department is happy to bill some select commerical insurance for the cost of the flu vaccine; however, there is no way for us to know if your insurance will cover these services. It is the client's responsibility to check with their insurance company to see if immunization services are covered when provided through the Health Department. The client will be responsible for any uncovered services. You will receive a bill in the mail for any outstanding balance.

If you are a resident of Ingham County and you provide your household income on the Health Department's financial screening form, you may be eligible for a discount on the administration fee.

  • How do I know whether I have a cold or the flu?

    The flu is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus.  It is not a gastrointestinal illness. Check out the chart below.

     More info about flu symptoms

     Is it a Cold or Flu?

    Symtoms

     Cold

    Flu 

     Fever

     Rare in adults & older children, but can be as high as 102 deg F in infants & small children

     Usually 102 deg F, but can go up to 104 deg F and usually lasts 3 to 4 days.

     Headache

     Rare

     Sudden onset 7 can be severe

     Muscle aches

     Mild

     Usual, & often severe

     Tiredness & weakness

     Mild

     Can last two or more weeks

     Extreme exhaustion

     Never

     Sudden onset & can be severe

     Runny nose

     Often

     Sometimes

     Sneezing

     Often

     Sometimes

     Sore Throat

     Often

     Sometimes

     Cough

     Mild cough

     Usual: intense, dry cough