ATLANTIC – The Cass County Health System and Cass County Public Health Department have announced the availability of seasonal influenza vaccinations.  Community clinics are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Saturday, October 1, 9 am – 11 am, Cass County Memorial Hospital Atrium
• Tuesday, October 4, 5 pm – 7 pm, Cass County Memorial Hospital Atrium
• Thursday, October 6, 9 am – 11 am, Health and Wellness Center, Anita
• Tuesday, October 11, 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Griswold Medical Clinic
• Tuesday, October 11, 1 pm – 3 pm, Massena Medical Clinic
• Thursday, October 13, 4 pm – 6 pm, Cass County Memorial Hospital Atrium

Charges for flu vaccinations at these community events will be $25 for seasonal vaccine, and $40 for the high-dose vaccine (those 65 and older).  Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, and hawk-i can be billed.  Both injectable and mist forms are available at these community clinics. Businesses desiring onsite flu vaccination clinics for their employees may contact Denise Coder, Community Health Coordinator at 712-243-7475 or coderda@ihs.org.  Additionally, Cass County Public Health will be conducting flu vaccinations for students during school time at all Cass County schools in October.  Schools are distributing consent forms, which are due back to the school by October 1.

Flu vaccine is also currently available at Atlantic Medical Center (AMC).  No appointment is necessary; the immunization nurse is available from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:30 – 11:30 am on Saturdays.  AMC follows the Centers for Disease Control guidelines on influenza vaccinations, which are as follows:

• Everyone  6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine, except those who have experienced a previous severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction or those with Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome;
• Again, only one flu vaccination will be necessary this year, as the seasonal flu vaccine will protect against several flu strains, including H1N1 Influenza.

AMC has all three types of available flu vaccine:  nasal mist for people 2 – 49 years of age ; fluzone injectable vaccine for ages 6 months – 64 years; high-dose vaccine for people ages 65 and older.  Other steps to preventing and controlling the spread of flu and other illnesses are to practice the 3 Cs:

• Cover your cough.  Use a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean your hands. Use soap and water, or hand sanitizer.
• Contain germs.  Stay home when sick.

For more information about seasonal influenza vaccinations, contact Denise Coder, Community Health Coordinator at 712-243-7475.