Flu vaccine available at local clinics
By Lynsi Musselman
With COVID-19 being front and center in the news, the upcoming flu season is not getting as much attention as in previous years.
Because of the pandemic, reducing the spread of any respiratory illness is more important than ever, according to the Center for Disease Control.
The CDC reports that 87.5 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed across the nation.
The Shackelford County Health Clinic currently has regular flu shots, doses for children three and older, and high dose shots for individuals 65 years of age and older.
Clinic director Jera Fairley said it is important to get the flu shot as soon as possible.
“The vaccine can take up to two weeks for the immunization to become fully activated to protect individuals,” Fairley explained.
Patients can call the clinic at 325-762-3661 to set up an appointment for the flu shot.
ResourceCare nurse Judy Patterson said that the Resource Center’s supply of flu vaccines came in earlier this week.
Drop-ins are welcome at ResourceCare, and appointments are not required.
ResourceCare hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For questions regarding the flu vaccine, call ResourceCare at 325-762-2447 or the Shackelford County Health Clinic at 325-762-3661.
At both local clinics, patients will need to fill out paperwork before receiving the vaccine.
The CDC states there are several different flu viruses, and their make-up constantly changes.
The composition of the United States flu vaccine is reviewed annually and updated as needed to match circulating flu viruses.
Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common.
However, the flu shot does not cover the -COVID-19 virus.
Patterson explained that the regular flu shot is called the quadrivalent vaccine, and it covers four different flu viruses, including two influenza A and two influenza B viruses.
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and include, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.
Some people, mainly children, may experience vomiting and an upset stomach.
