Flu Clinics Scheduled In Delta, Menominee Counties

Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties wants to remind you that now is the perfect time to think about getting seasonal flu shots for you and your family.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness with symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat, congestion and cough.  Every year there are thousands of deaths in the U.S. related to influenza.  And, while anyone can get the flu, older people, young children, and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

According to Dr. Terry Frankovich, Medical Director for Public Health, “It takes about two weeks to develop protective antibodies against influenza after you are vaccinated, so it is important to get your flu shot before the virus begins to circulate in your community or communities you visit. Flu season can arrive as early as October, so it is best to get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available in late summer or early fall.”  Dr. Frankovich does note however that with flu season often extending well into the spring, it is almost never too late to get vaccinated.

The 2018-2019 flu vaccines will protect against three or four strains of influenza, depending upon the formulation you receive. The high dose flu shot is also available and may help seniors mount a more robust response to vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any age-appropriate flu vaccine can be used, so you do not need to delay vaccination to obtain one particular formulation.

Annual vaccination is recommended for people aged 6 months and older, especially members of the following high-risk groups:

• Children younger than 5 years but especially children under two years;
• People aged 65 years and older;
• Those who have chronic lung (including asthma), heart, kidney or liver disease and those with neurologic, blood, or metabolic diseases (like diabetes mellitus).
• People who are immune-suppressed
• Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season;

Other high-risk groups include children on long-term aspirin therapy, nursing home residents, Native Americans, very obese individuals and healthcare workers.  Vaccination is also recommended for household contacts and caregivers of high-risk individuals.

Flu vaccine is widely available this year, from physicians, hospitals and clinics; some retail pharmacies; and at the following health department-sponsored clinics:

Public Health will offer walk-in vaccination, although an appointment is preferred. Curb-side service is available for those who have problems with mobility.

Medicare, Michigan Medicaid, Healthy Kids, most private insurances, and cash or check are accepted.

Cost for flu vaccine is $30. High Dose, available for 65 years and older, is $50.