Flu season is here! Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. It’s also one of the easiest ways to stay healthy this winter, so don’t waste any time getting your shot. We’ve put together a list of places in Namibia that offer flu vaccines:

Seasonal flu shots

• A single-dose flu shot costs between $N20 and $N75, depending on which country you’re in.
• High-dose shots cost between $N90 and $N300.

High-dose shots

If you’re age 65 or older, high-dose flu shots are available. They contain four times the antigens found in regular flu shots and are more effective than standard vaccinations. High-dose shots are recommended for people 65 and older, but not pregnant women—they contain over one microgram of mercury per dose, which is unsafe for developing fetuses.

Quadrivalent shots

If you’re in Namibia, the most common kind of flu shot is a quadrivalent shot. Quadrivalent shots protect against four different strains of the flu virus and can be easily obtained from your local pharmacy or doctor’s office. These shots typically cost $N20 to $N75 out of pocket, depending on where you purchase them.

Flu vaccines for people with egg allergies

• If you have an egg allergy, you may wonder if a flu shot is safe for your child. The answer is yes. Flu shots are safe for people with egg allergies and do not contain any egg protein.
• If you prefer to avoid needles, the flu mist (also known as the live attenuated influenza vaccine) may be an option for your child. The current recommendation from the CDC is that children 6 months through 8 years old should receive either dose of the live attenuated influenza vaccine or two doses of any other type of flu vaccine that contains only the killed virus (i.e., no live viruses).
• There are many types of vaccines available in Namibia, so talk to your doctor about which one might be best for your family member