Less painful flu shots offered Thursday

 The Flathead City-County Health Department will offer a special clinic on Thursday, Dec. 8, providing less painful and lower-cost adult flu shots from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Trade Center Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

In a press release, the department said a donation of intradermal influenza vaccine from pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur made it possible to offer immunizations for a minimal cost of $15 to cover vaccine administration expenses.

No one will be denied vaccine because of inability to pay. Local agencies have received vouchers for free flu shots.

According to the department, the intradermal vaccine allows a much smaller needle since this vaccine is injected into the skin rather than muscle. The vaccine has no preservatives and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults 18 to 64.

Jody White, the community health director, said that everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against influenza. She said even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu.

“We have not yet seen any influenza in the Flathead so it’s not too late to get your flu shot,” White said.

Traditional vaccine also will be offered at the clinic. People may pay with checks, cash, Medicare and Medicaid, Visa and MasterCard.