Logan County Department of Public Health offers off-site flu clinics and expanded hours

[October 16, 2018]  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza (flu) has resulted in between 9.2 million and 60.8 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually since 2010.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 32,926 people tested positive for flu and 2,291 admissions to intensive care units were reported in Illinois during the 2017-18 flu season. With the threat of flu and a new season now gearing up, it is time to get the protection you and your family will need. With rare exception, it is recommended all persons aged 6 months and older receive the annual flu vaccination.

To reach out by making flu immunizations more accessible, the Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) is offering off-site clinics to the public at the following locations:

• Mount Pulaski Library
  October 12th
  2:30-4pm
   

• Oasis Senior Center
  October 18th
  1:30-3:30pm
  
  
   

• Latham Fire Department
  October 22nd
  2-3pm
   

• Mount Pulaski Christian Church
  October 23rd
  5-7pm
   

• Chestnut Bank
  October 30th
  9-11am

At each clinic, LCDPH will offer the regular and the high dose flu which is for people over age 65.

If in question, it is recommended you talk with your physician regarding which dose is best. LCDPH carries the quadrivalent vaccine this year which covers 4 strands of the flu. LCDPH will also make available the flu mist inhalant vaccine for those ages 2-49 years of age.

No appointment is necessary at the clinics and all major insurance is accepted so all you need is your insurance card. If no insurance, cash pay is required. Anyone who receives a flu shot at LCDPH or at any LCDPH off-site clinics will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 gift card for IGA, Aldi or Dollar General. The three drawings will be held on December 20th.

In addition to the off-site clinics and to accommodate busy schedules, LCDPH will offer after-hour flu clinics at the health department on Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th and doors will remain open until 7pm. The health department is located at 109 Third Street, Lincoln, IL. Usual walk-in clinic hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more information regarding what Logan County Department of Public Health offers, contact them at 217-735-2317 or log onto their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]