Flu Shots Are Available at North Oaks Health System

Influenza season is here in Southeast Louisiana, and North Oaks Infectious Disease Physician Anish Shah, D.O., urges protection against this easily spread respiratory virus.

“The flu can lead to serious health complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and those with chronic health conditions. By getting the flu vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to protect those who are most at risk,” shares Dr. Shah. “Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. It not only reduces your risk of getting sick but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our community.”

All North Oaks primary care clinic locations, urgent care locations and certain specialty clinics are offering flu vaccines by appointment. Clinics include North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond, Livingston and Independence, as well as Hammond’s North Oaks Family Medicine, Northshore Internal Medicine Associates, Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Oaks Pulmonology and North Oaks Rheumatology. Urgent Care locations include Hammond, Ponchatoula and Walker.

Most health insurance plans are accepted, and many may cover the vaccine as a preventive service at no cost to you and covered family members. To verify acceptance of your plan and preventive service coverage, contact your insurance provider. Self-pay options also are available by request.

Vaccination of high-risk individuals is especially important to decrease the risk of severe flu illness. Vaccination is important for healthcare workers, those who live with or care for high-risk individuals, and caregivers of and those who live with infants younger than 6 months. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also get vaccinated to avoid severe complications from the flu. Vaccination during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can help protect infants during the first months of life (when they are too young to be vaccinated).

Flu vaccines are not appropriate for infants younger than 6 months of age, individuals with severe life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine ingredients and those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of the flu vaccine in the past.

For a full list of North Oaks clinics providing flu vaccines, click here or call (985) 230-2778 or (225) 686-4930.

Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about influenza and flu vaccines. You also can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.