COLORADO SPRINGS — The arrival of fall means flu vaccination season is underway, and for good reason.
El Paso County Public Health reported over 450 influenza hospitalizations last season, which can be deadly for people ages 0 to 4 years old or 65 years and older.
News 5 spoke with the Pharmacy Manager at a local Safeway, Tania Young, who said they have a special where anyone who gets a flu shot also gets 10% off of their groceries.
"The vaccine that was really, that really hit the Southern Hemisphere last year, is in the new vaccine this year, so you'll have protection against that," Young said. \
She also said the Safeway she works at has given out around 300 shots so far this year.
While at Safeway, Dennis Sidre who has lived in Colorado Springs for around two years, got his flu shot.
"When you think about people dying, I think it's important to get the flu shot," Sidre said.
Young said even if a person does not fall within the demographics at a higher risk of death or hospitalization because of the flu, it's still important to get the shot.
"If you get the flu, you're carrying it to everybody. You're going to visit the grandparents, and if you have nieces and nephews, you're carrying it," Young said.
She said education about the flu shot is especially important.
Young said the flu shots should be available at Safeway until June. They are free or at a reduced price depending on insurance.
Flu shots can also be found at places like El Paso County Public Health's Immunization Clinic, Rite Aid, Walmart, King Soopers, and Walgreens, as well as your local health care provider.
For statewide figures on the flu, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website. The CDC also has helpful information about the vaccination.
