News and Stories: PPIN to Offer Low-Cost Flu Shots at 19 Centers Across the State

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) announced today that beginning Sept. 6, influenza vaccines will be available for $23 at a number of its health centers across the sate.  

The vaccines – better known as “flu shots” – will be available at the following 19 centers:  Avon, Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis-Castleton, Indianapolis-Eastside, Indianapolis-Midtown, Indianapolis-Southside, Hammond, Lafayette, Madison, Merrillville, Mishawaka, Muncie, Richmond, Terre Haute, Valparaiso and Warsaw. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual vaccinations for everyone age six months or older.  According to the CDC, the current vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that experts predict will be the most common during the upcoming flu season.  Each season, this includes an influenza B virus, an influenza A (H1N1) virus and an influenza A (H3N2) virus.

While flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, the CDC says that most of the time flu activity peaks in January or later, and sometimes flu season can last through May.

“The flu is so contagious because it’s spread by coughing, sneezing and even talking,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum.  “However, while it’s easy to catch it, it’s also easy to try and prevent it, by getting a flu shot.

“We want to help our patients stay healthy.  Because we’re often the only medical provider some of them will see, it’s important that we offer a variety of affordable services like this at our centers,” Cockrum added. 

Vaccinations at the PPIN health centers are available to patients 12 and older and appointments must be made in advance.  Click here to see a full listing of health centers across the state, and find the phone number and address for the facilities that are offering flu shots. You may also call 1-800-230-PLAN to reach the health center nearest you.