Clinic offers flu shots for public

As flu surfaces near Montana, the Flathead City-County Health Department offers a final mass immunization clinic Thursday for the general public.

Open to all people over 6 months old, the clinic takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Vaccinations cost $20 for adults or $10 for children.

According to public health nurse Allison Bishop, cases of influenza have surfaced in North Dakota and Idaho.

There is no confirmed influenza in Montana as of Monday, Bishop said.

Nationally, the number of flu cases is low. However, western states including Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and California all have sporadic flu activity for the week of Oct. 22.

Bishop cant predict when the virus will arrive in Montana. But she reminds people that the vaccination takes up to two weeks to take full effect.

Local health officials decided to offer a second mass clinic as an efficient way to vaccinate the most people. It also provides another opportunity for people at high risk for complications of the flu.

Its sobering to think that 36,000 people die each year due to flu complications, Bishop said.

Those at high risk include people 50 and over, those with long-term health problems including weakened immune systems, pregnant women and residents of long-term care facilities.

Health-care workers, care-givers, family members and anyone with close contact with high-risk people also should receive an immunization.

Bishop expects the Thursday clinic may draw more people than an earlier session since it offers vaccinations to the general public.

Unlike during last years flu season, the Centers for Disease Control has not identified a flu-vaccine shortage across the country or in Montana.

So far, we are doing fine, Bishop said.

However, she said some people seeking vaccinations through the health department have reported their private providers were out of vaccine. The health department has said the vaccine will be available on a limited basis following this clinic.

Plans for Thursday call for volunteers and staffers to operate 16 registration areas to keep lines moving quickly. Special-needs people have a separate line as well as a drive-up immunization service.

Sometimes people come and really cant get out of their car, Bishop said.

She people to wear clothing that allows them to roll up their sleeve to the top of their shoulder. Bishop suggests wearing a removable sweater over a T-shirt.

We need to get to the middle of the deltoid muscle, she said, pointing to the area at the top of the arm.

Bishop said people may experience a slightly sore arm the day after receiving their shot. However, Bishop said it isnt possible to catch the flu from the vaccine.

People with Part B Medicare and Medicaid should bring their cards so those programs cover the cost of the shots.

Others may pay with cash or check, but not credit cards.

Bishop said the staff can provide a receipt to submit for reimbursement for those with private medical insurance covering influenza immunizations.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.