Cass County Public Health staff will be holding influenza vaccine clinics to start later this month. Nancy Gibson, Public Health Team Lead, reports that public clinics will begin as soon as the vaccine arrives.  The influenza (flu) vaccine injection given by the Public Health/UnityPoint will be the trivalent type this year, meaning that it protects against 3 strains of influenza virus. The Flumist given to persons ages 49 and under will be quadrivalent, protecting against 4 strains of the influenza virus.

Public Health will accept Medicare and Medicaid payment for vaccines. Vaccine is also available for children including those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children (VFC) or those being children who do not have insurance or have insurance that doesn’t pay for vaccines. All other patients who receive vaccines must pay privately at a cost of $30 for the injection and $35 for the Flumist.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that Influenza (flu) usually occurs in late fall and winter in the US and is spread from an ill person to other people by coughing and sneezing. Therefore, October- November is not too late to receive your vaccination. According to Dr Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Medical Director, it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for the body to receive the full protection from the flu protection from the flu virus, being vaccinated now will mean you’ll be protected before the flu starts spreading in your community.

Cass County Public Health Staff encourages residents to practice good health habits including eating right, getting lots of sleep, and washing hands thoroughly and often. Other precautions include covering your mouth by coughing into your elbow of the upper arm instead of your hand and stay home when you don’t feel well.

Listen to KJAN for more information about public flu clinics in Cass County or call Public Health Office at 712-243-7475 or 712-243-7551.