Flu arriving in Oregon; doctors say vaccine is working

The good news is that early reports indicate this year's flu vaccine is working well against the current strain of influenza. And this year, the vaccine protects against both seasonal flu and H1N1.

But because the number of serious H1N1 infections was not as bad as expected last year, Eugene pediatrician Dr. Pilar Bradshaw is concerned people may not be doing everything they can to protect themselves.

“Lots of people had H1N1 but it was a much milder form of the flu than many people were expecting it would be. So I’m concerned as a pediatrician that a lot of people will say, ‘It wasn't bad. We're not going to get our flu shot this year.’ You should get the flu shot."

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get a flu shot.

Last year the government paid for the H1N1 vaccine, but that is not the case this year. However, most insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost.

http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/Flu-arriving-in-Oregon-doctors-say-vaccine-is/eoyi_GGSJk-3NAMWd727uA.cspx