ThedaCare is making flu vaccines available to patients earlier this year in effort to boost immunity before prime flu season hits this winter.

Flu vaccination provides protection against the influenza strains contained in the season vaccine for the entire flu season.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get their flu vaccinations as soon as it becomes available to ensure antibodies are in place before flu activity is at its highest.

“Following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding flu vaccine just makes good sense,” said Dr. John Laabs, MD, ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy. We recently saw what happened, with H1N1 virus, when a large portion of the population is not protected. Flu vaccination in 2010 is a double-pronged approach – it reduces risk for the individual and for the community as a whole.”

ThedaCare is encouraging patients to take a proactive approach to flu season-by contacting their providers to set up an appointment to get their flu vaccine. Patients 3 years old and older can also stop into FastCare in ShopKo to get their vaccine.

The cost for a flu vaccine is $32 and includes H1N1 vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccines are $55, and if patients have never received a pneumonia shot they should ask the nurse if the shot is right for them.

In addition, ThedaCare offers the high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older, which offers better immunity, for $49. Patients should ask their provider if it is offered at their location.

Patients younger than two years-old must see their primary care provider for the flu vaccine. Those ages 2 to 49 can now receive FluMist at ThedaCare Physicians and FastCare. The cost for FluMist is $68 and includes H1N1 vaccination. ThedaCare Physicians and FastCare accept insurance, which now includes Network Health Plan members.