Its time to start thinking about the coming flu season.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is offering its annual drive-thru flu clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot at the Iola clinic at 411 N. Washington Ave. The process takes only minutes.
This years flu vaccine is similar to last year, Megan Neville, registered nurse with the Iola office, said. It protects against four strains, all of which have components from last years vaccine or updated from previous types of viruses.
Influenza is unpredictable, with multiple viruses that constantly change, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That makes it difficult to predict exactly what viruses will be most serious in any given year. Health officials administer a vaccine that protects against three or four viruses, which research suggests will be most common.
I think the vaccine covered pretty well against the flu last year, better than the previous year, Neville said.
Last year, the Iola clinic gave between 500 and 600 flu shots.
Its good to get the vaccine every year to keep yourself protected, Neville said. In case you do get the flu, it might not be as severe.
Two versions are available, one for those age 6 months to age 64 and one for those age 65 and older.
Private and government insurance should cover the cost of the vaccine. For those who are uninsured or have insurance not accepted at at the health department, the cost for an adult vaccine is $50. There is no charge to those 18 and younger.
The CDC recommends flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
