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UnityPoint at Home offers community flu clinics throughout Cass County

News

October 6th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Halloween kicks off the beginning of the fall and winter holidays, but treats and cheer aren’t the only things being spread this time of year. It’s also the start of flu season, and UnityPoint at Home and Cass County Public Health are offering six community flu clinics beginning Monday, October 19 and continuing through Thursday, October 29.

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will be the most common during this season. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. The 2015-2016 influenza vaccine is quadravalent, meaning it covers four types of strains; H1N1, H2N3, and two types of Influenza B.

Groups at a higher risk for flu complications include the elderly and people with health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Those in the high risk group are encouraged to get vaccinated early.

Flu shots will be billed for those presenting Medicare Part B and Medicaid documentation. No other insurance companies will be billed. The cost is $30 for the Fluzone shot or $40 for the FluMist vaccine, which is a nasal spray. Officials note that there is a limited supply of the high-dose flu vaccination, which is $35. Payment is accepted in cash or check. All children present with a parent or guardian may receive the vaccination. No physician’s order is required. For more information, call UnityPoint at Home at 712-243-7551.

The schedule for the community flu clinics are:

Monday, October 19, 9 a.m. – noon

Anita Health and Wellness Center – 900 Victory Park Road, Anita

Tuesday, October 20, 2:30 – 5 p.m.

Rex Pharmacy – 507 Chestnut Street, Atlantic

Monday, October 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of Atlantic – 800 Poplar Street, Atlantic

Wednesday, October 28, 9 – 11 a.m.

Massena Medical Center – 92 Main Street, Massena

Wednesday, October 28, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Griswold Medical Center – 1109 Morningside Drive, Griswold

Thursday, October 29, 3 – 5 p.m.

UnityPoint at Home – 1408 E. 10th Street, Atlantic