Flu facts

From the Logan County Department of Public Health

[October 10, 2013]  During flu seasons, many people share confusion as to whether one can get the flu from receiving the flu shot. A flu shot CANNOT cause flu illness. The flu viruses in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection.

During the process of making flu vaccine, the manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine. Batches of flu vaccine are also tested to make sure they are safe. While FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, does contain a live virus, the concentration is too small to cause the flu.

The hours for vaccines at the Logan County Department of Public Health, 109 Third St., are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. No appointment is required.

The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $27 for adults and children who have health insurance that covers vaccines, $23.75 for children 6 months through 18 years of age who have no health insurance or health insurance that doesn't cover vaccines, and free to those with a Medicaid or Medicare card.

For more information on the seasonal influenza vaccine, call the health department at 217-735-2317.

For more information, visit www.flu.gov and www.lcdph.org.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]