As flu season begins, public health officials are urging Hoosiers to get their annual influenza vaccine, warning of declining vaccination rates in Indiana and persistent misconceptions about safety and effectiveness.
“Flu vaccination is an important defense against serious influenza complications such as hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Rita Patel, a pediatrician at the Jane Pauley Community Health Center’s Shadeland site. “There was a higher number of flu deaths last season than there have been in any prior season since 2020, and vaccinations are proven to reduce the risk of these outcomes.”
Patel, who has practiced pediatrics for more than 30 years, said children are particularly at risk.
“Vaccines such as the influenza vaccine are critical for children who are more susceptible to become ill with the flu. The influenza vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of life-threatening influenza in children by 75%,” she said.
Indiana currently ranks 31st in the country for flu vaccination rates, Patel added, which increases vulnerability across the state.
“As a physician, I see the effects of the flu every season, especially in children, who are most vulnerable to illness,” Patel said. “I would encourage everyone to get their flu vaccines to protect their loved ones, and anyone who might be at risk such as children, seniors and individuals with chronic conditions.”
Who needs the vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot, ideally before the end of October. Vaccination is especially important for older adults, pregnant people, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
COVID-19 vaccinations are also still available, though access has become more limited.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said “anybody who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one,” but fact-checkers note that new policies have created barriers. In some cases, a physician’s prescription is now required, and insurance coverage may be inconsistent.
Kennedy has also announced that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children or pregnant people, shifting those decisions to individual physicians and families. Public health experts warn that such changes could reduce protection for groups previously prioritized.
Vaccine misconceptions
Despite decades of safety data, vaccine myths persist:
Myth: “The flu vaccine doesn’t work.”
Fact: While strains vary each year, updated vaccines reduce severity and risk of hospitalization or death.
Myth: “Flu and COVID shots should always be given together.”
Fact: The FDA is reviewing whether co-administration raises safety concerns, according to the Washington Post.
Myth: “Preservatives in vaccines are harmful.”
Fact: Kennedy’s reconstituted vaccine panel voted to restrict thimerosal, a preservative used in some flu shots, despite scientific consensus that it is safe. Experts worry the change could reduce supply and raise costs, according to The Guardian and PBS NewsHour.
Myth: “Everyone still has equal access to COVID-19 vaccines.”
Fact: New federal rules mean availability depends more on age, health status and insurance, creating hurdles for younger, healthier adults.
Local access in Marion County
For Indianapolis residents, several options exist for low- or no-cost flu and COVID vaccines:
- Marion County Public Health Department immunization clinics offer flu, COVID and other vaccines. Locations and appointments: marionhealth.org
- Special flu shot clinics throughout October, accepting Medicare and Medicaid.
- Free walk-in vaccine clinics for K-12 students, covering school-required and seasonal immunizations.
- VaccinateIndy program provides free COVID-19 vaccines without requiring insurance or a Social Security number.
- Indiana Immunization Coalition mobile clinics travel throughout the county to provide no-cost shots.
Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens also offer flu vaccines, often free with insurance.
As flu activity begins to climb, Patel said prevention is critical.
“I would encourage everyone to get their flu vaccines to protect their loved ones, and anyone who might be at risk,” she said.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
