Free Flu Vaccines in Colorado

On Saturday November 17^th, local health departments and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division will be giving free influenza vaccinations to anyone who participates in the state-wide influenza emergency pandemic exercise.

While it is relatively rare for individuals to become seriously ill or die from the flu, some people who get the flu die or become seriously ill due to the complications influenza may cause. For this reason, it is important for individuals, especially those who are at high risk for contracting the disease to obtain a flu shot every year. Additionally, because the flu can be passed from one person to another through the air, it is also important for individuals who come into contact with people who are at high risk for contracting the illness to get vaccinated annually as well.

People who are at high risk for developing complications while having influenza include individuals over the age of 65, children and adults who have chronic heart or respiratory conditions such as asthma, people who live in long-term care facilities such as assisted living units or nursing homes, women who will be pregnant during flu season, children 6-23 months old, individuals who spent time in the hospital or needed medical care last year for a metabolic illness, such as diabetes, children six months to 18 years of age who are on a regular aspirin regimen, and individuals who have conditions that may cause complications in handling reparatory secretions, swallow, or breathe such as seizures, nerve or muscle disorders, or spinal cord or brain injuries. These individuals should be vaccinated with the flu shot every year.

Adults aged 50-64 years and children aged 24-59 months old may also want to receive a flu vaccination due to the increased chance these adults and children visit hospitals, doctor's offices, and other healthcare facilities where they may come into contact with influenza.