Cheyenne/Laramie County Public Health Director Gus Lopez says anyone who hasn't gotten a flu shot yet should do it soon before flu season in Wyoming hits full swing.

He says it's important to remember that it typically takes a couple of weeks after getting the shot for it to take full effect. While influenza is just an unpleasant experience for most people, it can be dangerous or even life-threatening for some.

They include the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, so those folks should especially get the shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports death tolls of anywhere between 12,000 and 56,000 people every year between 2010 and 2014. The CDC is recommending that everyone over the age of six months gets a shot.

While the shots can cost up to $70, Lopez says most health insurance covers most or all of the cost. Lopez says people can get flu shots at his agency between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. weekdays. People can make an appointment by calling 633-4097.

Shots are also available at many drug stores and other retail stores and through private doctors. The Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Wyoming Department of Health are also teaming up to offer a community flu clinic at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday (Nov.15).

Veterans with a VA identification card will get their shots for free, while non-veterans can use their insurance cards. The cost of those shots without insurance is $41.

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