LENOWISCO Health District to Hold Flu Vaccination Clinics
Influenza, a viral infection, is a fairly common infection, with between 5 and 20 percent of the US population becoming infected each year. In most people the infection generally causes only mild to moderate discomfort, and clears up without any specific treatment, with full recovery in 4-7 days; symptom-directed treatment such as taking medication to lower fevers and drinking fluids may be of benefit.
However in some people, influenza can cause serious illness and even death, such as individuals with underlying medical conditions, the very young and those over 50 years of age.
Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu. The protection afforded by the vaccine will last the full flu year so there is no need to delay vaccination. Anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of contracting influenza should receive the vaccine, and those in certain risk groups should definitely be vaccinated if there is no medical reason not to; those risk groups are:
- All children between the ages of 6 months to 18 years
- Adults 18-49 with chronic health conditions (such as heart disease, asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, cancer, diabetes and others)
- All persons who live with or care for persons at high risk for complications from flu (healthcare workers, caregivers of children under 6 months of age, close contacts of immunocompromised or medically fragile persons, and others)
- Adults 50 years of age and older
Local health departments will provide vaccine to the public at a cost of $30 per dose. They will bill insurance companies with whom they have a participating provider agreement (Medicaid, Medicare, UMWA, Black Lung, Anthem, and Tennessee BC/BS). In all other cases, individuals will need to plan to pay in full on the date of service. Influenza vaccine may be provided to eligible at-risk patients unable to pay full fee, on a sliding fee scale at certain health department clinics. Call the health department for more information about dates, times, qualifying conditions and documentation required.
To provide quick service for seasonal flu immunization with minimal wait, local health departments in Lee, Scott and Wise/City of Norton are conducting "walk-in" flu clinics to be held all day on Sept. 30. Flu shots may also be available on other dates, however, due to other clinic activities taking place, waiting times may be longer on non-flu-shot days.
The Scott County Health Department offers extended-hours clinics for individuals who work or have other difficulty seeking services during normal business hours. They are open on Mondays, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To accommodate the increase in demand for seasonal flu immunizations this year, each of the local health departments will be open on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. starting Oct. 3 for flu immunizations only.
If you have questions about influenza or flu immunization, contact the Scott County Health Department at 386-1312.