The annual flu shot clinic is back in Jacksonville this week.
Morgan County Health Department Director Dale Bainter provided some valuable information on the clinic, running on Thursday from 1-6 p.m. and Friday from 9-4 p.m. at the JHS Bowl.
Bainter says the clinic provides an opportunity for community members to get their shots before flu season starts.
“If you get it early it might wayne a little bit, if you get it too late you miss the flu season. We schedule it around the Columbus Day holiday. It is a weekend we can use The Bowl, get as much of the population as possible and make it efficient. The flu shot remains the best way to keep from getting the flu,” says Bainter.
The nasal flu shot will not be provided, but high dose quadrivalent and pediatric flu shots will be available
Bainter breaks down the vaccine being offered.
“Recent we’ve had the ability to purchase a flu shot known as the quadrivalent vaccine. It covers two A strains and two B strains. It gives us an extra strain of trying to match that. It is like hedging your bets. You have an extra shot at getting it right. The old vaccine only gave three matches on the flu vaccine.”
The cost is $32 for a regular shot and $55 for high dose. Medicaid and Medicare insurance is accepted. Shots are also available at the Morgan County Health Department.
Bainter also discussed property purchased by the Morgan County Health Department at the corner of Westgate and Lafayette. Bainter says the new location provides more space and a strong opportunity to offer more services to the community.
No immediate plans for the location have been set.
To hear more about the flu shots and new location, listen to the interview below.