Logan County Department of Public Health urges flu immunization

 

[September 22, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

It is the time of year for the influenza (flu) virus to become active and to remain as such through winter into spring. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza 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. With the threat of flu and the season now gearing up, it is time to get the needed 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. Flu vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk for serious complications from influenza. This group includes people age 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) now has the flu vaccine available in both regular and high dose. The high dose is more commonly given to people ages 65 and older and is covered 100% by Medicare.

It is recommended to talk with your doctor about which type is best for you. In addition, LCDPH carries the quadrivalent vaccine this year which covers 4 strands of the flu. For convenience, LCDPH accepts all major insurances, otherwise, cash pay will be required and no appointment is necessary.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 goal is for 70% of citizens to be vaccinated. To help meet this challenge and to encourage everyone to be immunized, anyone who receives a flu shot at LCDPH 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.

LCDPH welcomes all to reinvest in their community and to take advantage of their services to help make Logan County healthier. The health department is located at 109 Third Street, Lincoln, IL. The 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]