Flu vaccines to be available next week
By Donnie A. Lucas
While the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have leveled out in recent weeks, residents will soon be faced with the annual outbreak of flu cases, predicted to be the largest in the last five years.
Vaccinations for this year’s variant of influenza will be available locally starting next week, and local health care providers are urging the public not to treat the virus lightly.
“We are continuing to recommend annual influenza vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older,” local nurse practitioner Claire Ware said Tuesday. “Flu cases have been lower than normal for the past two years, likely due to increases in social distancing, masking, and hand washing related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the 2022-23 season is predicted to be the worst in the last five years.”
As with the COVID vaccines available, the flu shot is expected to drastically lower the risk of severe illness that might require hospitalization or even death from the virus.
The Shackelford County Health Clinic will offer flu vaccines starting Monday, Sept. 26, while Resource Care Health Clinic will make flu shots available starting the first week in October.
Brandi Green, hospital district administrator, said that while appointments are not required for receiving the flu vaccine, it is recommended to call the clinic ahead of time to determine a time in order not to have to wait.
“Appointments can be made for the same day you call,” she said. “We just need to have an idea when you’re coming and what time would be best for the patient not to have to wait in the lobby.”
The clinic will provide flu shots from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Fridays.
Green said that the vaccination is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, while the cost for someone uninsured is $30 for the regular dose and $65 for the high dose for patients age 65 and over.
Resource will take drop-ins for the shots from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
The price for uninsured patients at ResourceCare has not yet been determined.
For questions or to arrange an appointment for a flu shot, call the Shackelford County Health Clinic at 325-762-3661 or ResourceCare at 325-762-2447.
