Limited flu vaccines available at local clinics
By Donnie A. Lucas
The changing of the weather is a reminder that it is time to consider getting vaccinated against illnesses such as the flu.
Vaccinations for this year’s variant of influenza will be available locally as soon as next week for some local residents, and local health care providers are urging the public not to treat the virus lightly.
“The Center for Disease Control is anticipating another year of high numbers of respiratory viruses including the flu, COVID, and RSV,” local nurse practitioner Claire Ware said. “Getting up to date on vaccines will certainly help decrease the spread and severity of disease, as well as the incidence of hospitalization.”
Locally, the Shackelford County Health Clinic has received only the Over 65 High Dose vaccine for the flu so far, while Resource Care only has the children’s dosage for under 18 year old recipients.
Both facilities are expecting the regular doses for the majority of the population in the next week or two.
“Right now we can give the High Dose for over 65 patients,” said hospital district administrator Brandi Green said. “We are hoping the regular strength vaccine comes in the next week or so.”
Likewise, Holly Martin, a nurse at ResourceCare’s local office, said their clinic only has the child’s dose, and it is only available to children on Medicaid or those without insurance.
“We expect to start giving the regular flu vaccine after Oct. 1,” she said.
Neither clinic has received the new COVID vaccine that has been approved by the CDC.
“Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone above the age of six months,” Ware said. “The public is urged to practice basic infection control measures such as hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touch surfaces often, and staying home when feeling ill or running a fever.”
To avoid the triple threat of the flu, COVID and RSV, residents, especially those considered at high risk, should consider obtaining all three vaccines when available, according to the CDC.
“There are newly updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines that are anticipated to work more effectively against currently circulating variants,” Ware said. “And there is also a recently developed vaccine for older adults at high risk of severe disease with RSV.”
Green 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.
“The flu shot can be given if you are already coming in for a follow-up or some other type of visit as long as you are not sick,” she said. “For those just coming to get the flu shot, we just need to have an idea when you’re coming and what time would be best so you don’t have to wait in the lobby.”
The SCHC will provide flu shots from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 on Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Fridays.
Green said that the vaccination is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies. The cost for someone uninsured is $30 for the regular dose and $65 for the high dose for patients age 65 and over.
ResourceCare will also 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.
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.
