Fairgrounds hosts flu shot clinic Wednesday
Volunteer Brynn Leftridge, left, administers flu vaccinations to Ron Fournier, center, and Lon Johnson, both of Columbia Falls, outside the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, Oct. 7. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
The Flathead City-County Health Department’s annual flu clinic is on Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
In preparation for this coming influenza, commonly known as flu season, the Health Department would like to remind everyone to take the first and most important step in protecting against the flu by getting a flu shot. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every season. Influenza 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.
Flu Facts:
• Flu is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus.
• Flu can affect any person in any age group.
• A seasonal flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the chances of getting the flu as well as preventing the spread of flu to others.
Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including:
• People 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5. but especially younger than 2
• People with certain chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD, diabetes (both type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurological conditions, and certain other health conditions
• Pregnant women
Get protected all season long by getting your flu shot at the Health Department’s annual flu clinic scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building. Face coverings are required for all individuals ages 5 and older.
Most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare will be accepted; no child will be refused vaccine due to inability to pay. For more information, call 751-8101.