The Marion County Public Health Department will offer low-cost seasonal flu shots at six flu vaccine clinics during the month of October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine every year for anyone 6 months of age and older.
“Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times be life-threatening resulting in hospitalization,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department. “A seasonal flu shot not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but helps protect family, friends and others from the virus.”
The flu vaccine is especially important for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia, including:
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease
- Pregnant women
- People age 65 and older
Flu shot clinics offered by the Marion County Public Health Department are scheduled at the following locations and times:
Tuesday, Oct. 6 (Two locations)
Southport United Methodist Church
1947 E. Southport Rd.
9 a.m.-Noon
Old Bethel United Methodist Church
7995 E. 21st Street
9 a.m.-Noon
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Southport Presbyterian Church
7525 McFarland Blvd.
9 a.m.-Noon
Monday, Oct. 19
Jewish Community Center
6701 Hoover Rd.
3-6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Chin Community Center
2524 E. Stop 11 Rd.
9 a.m.-Noon
Thursday, Oct. 29
Cathedral Soup Kitchen
1350 N. Pennsylvania St.
9-11 a.m.
Influenza vaccines are $20 for adults and children ages 2-18, and free for children under two years old. Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines are $75 or $155, depending on which type of pneumonia vaccine is recommended for the client. Tetanus (Td or Tdap) vaccine is $25. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted.
For more information, or to find out locations and times for vaccines at the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices, call the Flu Clinic Hotline at 317-221-2121.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu can cause fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, chills and muscle aches.
SOURCE: The Marion County Public Health Department