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Friday, November 14, 2025AfiSectionindianapolisrecorder.comFlu vaccine protects against illness, hospitalization Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Each year flu viruses cause illness and hospital stays across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect against flu. The vaccine may also make the flu illness milder for someone who gets sick. A yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older every year. While flu illness can vary from mild to severe, children can require medical care because of flu. Children younger than 5 years, and children of any age with certain long-term health problems, are at high risk of flu complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Some health problems that are known to make children more vulnerable to flu include asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. A person also can get flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. Symptoms of the virus can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever. Young children and children with certain long-term health problems get vaccinated, as well as caregivers of children. Pregnant women should get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their baby. Research shows that flu vaccination protects the baby from flu for several months after birth. Viruses are constantly changing and so the vaccine is updated often to protect against the flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season. Flu vaccines are made using strict safety and production measures. Millions of people have safely received flu vaccines for decades. Different types of flu vaccines are licensed for different ages. Each person should get one that is appropriate for their age. A study using data from recent flu seasons found that flu vaccine reduced the risk of flu-associated death by half among children with high risk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds among children without medical conditions. In addition to getting a flu vaccine, everyone should take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs. A person who is sick should avoid others as much as possible to keep from spreading the virus. A child should stay home from school or day care for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. Healthy practices also include regularly covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often and cleaning shared surfaces. More information about receiving a flu shot by appointment through the Marion County Public Health Department, including locations and contact information, is available online at MarionHealth.org/immunize or by calling the immunization program at (317) 221-2122. In most cases, flu vaccine is free.fifffffflffifl%u001a%u001a%u0019%u0018%u0017%u0016%u0015%u0014fi%u0013%u0018%u0012fffi%u0011%u0010%u0017%u0013%u000f%u0016%u000e%u0012%u0013%u0019%u0016%u0014%u000f%u0011%u0010%u0015%u0019fifffflffifl%u001a%u0019%u0018%u0017%u0018%u0016%u0019%u0015%u0018%u0015%u0019%u0014%u0013%u0012%u0011%u0019%u0018%u0011%u0010%u0017%u0011%u0018fl%u000f%u0019%u001a%u0013%u0018%u0017%u0018%u0013%u0011%u001a%u0019%u0013%u0013%u000e%u001a%u0019%u0019%u000c%u0018%u000b%u0009%u0008%u0007%u0019%u0016%u0011%u000e%u001a%u0019%u0019%u0018ffl%u0017%u0011%u0010%u0018%u0011fl%u0018%u0007%u0019%u0016%u0011%u0017ffi%u0018%u0015%u0019ffiffi%u0016%u0019%u0013%u0013%u0006%u0018%u0005%u0013%u0013%u0019%u0013%u0013%u0018%u0004fl%u001a%u0018%u0007%u0019%u0016%u0011%u0017ffi%u0018%u0015%u0019ffiffi%u000e%u0014%u0019%u0012%u0016%u0008%u0018%u0015%u0010%u0012ffi%u0019%u0018%u0017ffi%u0013fl%u0018%u0014%u0019%u0012%u0016%u0008%u0018%u0003fl%u0016%u0016%u0019%u0003%u0011%u0019%u0009%u0018%u0011fl%u0018%u001a%u0019%u0013fl%u001a%u0003%u0019%u0013%u0018%u0011%u0010%u0017%u0011%u0018%u0012%u0011%u0018%u0004fl%u001a%u0018ffi%u0012%u0019%u0013%u0011%u0004ffi%u0019%u0006%u0018fi%u0007%u0014%u001a%u0017%u0003%u0019%u0018%u0017%u0018ffl%u001a%u0012%u0017%u0011%u0019%u0018%u0017%u0016%u0009%u0018%u0019%u0007fflfl%u0015%u0019%u001a%u0012%u0016%u0008%u0018%u0019ffffl%u0019%u001a%u0012%u0019%u0016%u0003%u0019%u0018fl%u0016%u0018%u0004fl%u001a%u0018%u0011%u0019%u001a%u0007%u0013%u0006Indianapolis residents face higher marketplace health insurance costs as open enrollment beginsBy HANNA RAUWORTHhannar@indyrecorder.comOpen enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage is underway, and many Indianapolis residents may see higher premiums and fewer savings as federal subsidies are set to expire next year. Local health officials and enrollment counselors say now is the time for Hoosiers to review their options carefully %u2014 and seek help if needed.According to the Indiana Department of Insurance, several insurers have filed rate increases averaging more than 30 percent for individual marketplace plans. The hike comes as enhanced premium tax credits, part of the federal relief extended during the pandemic, are scheduled to end in 2025 unless Congress renews them. Without those credits, many families could face hundreds of dollars more in monthly costs.%u201cPeople are going to feel this,%u201d said Anita Williams, a health navigator with experience helping families enroll through HealthCare.gov. %u201cThe worst thing someone can do right now is ignore those renewal notices or assume their plan will stay the same.%u201dThe open enrollment period for coverage starting Jan. 1 runs from%u00a0Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. During this time, residents can compare plans, renew existing coverage, or apply for new insurance through the federal marketplace. Those who miss the deadline may have to wait another year unless they qualify for a special enrollment period due to a major life change such as a job loss, birth or move.Help available across Marion CountySeveral local organizations are offering free oneon-one assistance to help residents navigate plan options and determine eligibility for savings programs. Certified navigators with groups such as the%u00a0Indiana Rural Health Association%u00a0and%u00a0Community Health Network%u00a0can assist with marketplace applications, Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).Residents can search for a certified navigator at%u00a0in.gov/idoi%u00a0or call%u00a01-800-318-2596 for the federal marketplace helpline. Assistance is also available in Spanish and other languages.Rising costs aheadNationally, health policy experts expect marketplace premiums to rise an average of 20 percent in 2026. If the enhanced premium tax credits are not renewed, middle-income families who previously paid little or nothing for coverage could see sharp increases.Out-of-pocket maximums %u2014 the limit on how much consumers pay for covered care each year %u2014 are also climbing. Federal data shows that cap could reach about%u00a0$10,600%u00a0for individuals in 2026.%u201cEven if premiums look similar, other costs like deductibles and copays may be higher,%u201d Williams said. %u201cThis is the year to look closely at the details %u2014 not just the price tag.%u201dWhat residents can do nowExperts recommend Indianapolis residents take three key steps before selecting or renewing a plan:Check income and household changes%u00a0to ensure eligibility for tax credits.Confirm doctor and prescription coverage%u00a0within each plan%u2019s network.Compare multiple options, as switching carriers may save money.Those currently enrolled in the health insurance marketplace should log in to%u00a0HealthCare.gov%u00a0before Dec. 15 to update information and confirm coverage for 2026. Payment of the first month%u2019s premium is required for coverage to begin Jan. 1.With costs climbing and federal support uncertain, local advocates say awareness and preparation are the best defense. %u201cHealth care is already complicated,%u201d Williams said. %u201cBut getting help early can keep families from being blindsided when those bills start arriving in January.%u201dThis reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights.%u00a0https://iaaqli.org/Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.(Photo/Getty Images)