Annual flu clinic set Wednesday at fairgrounds

The Flathead City-County Health Department’s annual influenza clinic will take place Wednesday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In preparation for this coming influenza season, the health department would like to remind everyone to “take the first and most important step” in protecting against the influenza, commonly known as the flu, by getting a flu shot.

According to a press release from the department, everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every season. A vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu, but it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

“We look forward to this event every year because it allows us the opportunity to get out into the community to administer as many flu vaccinations as possible while at the same time, practice our public health emergency response procedure,” said Lisa Dennison, emergency preparedness coordinator for the health department. “So, when people come to this event, they are not only helping prevent the transmission of influenza by getting their flu vaccination, but they are also helping us rehearse our response procedure for mass vaccination events.”

All individuals planning to receive their vaccinations should wear a short sleeve shirt, and face coverings are required for all individuals ages 5 and older. Adult vaccinations will be provided via drive-up, and families with children 12 and under will go into the Trade Center to receive their vaccinations. Most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare will be accepted and in addition, no child will be refused a vaccine due to inability to pay.

A vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including people 65 years and older, children younger than five - but especially younger than 2 years old - people with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, and more.

For more information on the health department’s annual flu clinic call 406- 751-8101.