Vaccination FAQs

The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to receive a flu shot. The vaccine is safe, effective and available at Patterson Health Center.

Flu shorts are available for adults and children 6 months and older. The high-dose flu vaccine is available for adults 65 and older. Please call us at (620) 914-1200 to schedule your flu shot. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine.

When is the flu most severe? According to Dr. Nizar Kibar, MD, the flu is prevalent from November through March. While it can happen throughout the year, it's best to get your flu shot around October. It takes about two weeks for the body to produce immunity.

What types of flu vaccines are there? The most used vaccination is inactivated and will not cause you to get the flu. People 65 and older should get the high-dose quadrivalent because they need a higher dose to produce the same immune response. There is also a live nasal vaccination that is only recommended for those 2-49, who do not have immunosuppression or are not taking chemotherapy.

What reaction will I have from a flu vaccine? According to Dr. Kibar, it is impossible to get sick from the flu shot itself. Most reactions are local, with soreness in the shoulder. It should go away after a day or two.

Other vaccinations provided by Patterson Health Center include pneumonia and tetanus.

This website was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $148,587. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
Audiovisuals produced under a grant-supported project or program must bear an acknowledgment and disclaimer, such as: "The production of this website and video was supported by Grant HRSA-21-142 from the Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Confidence Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Patterson Health Center and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Confidence Program.