While some Iolans are getting hit with what Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department Public Health Nurse Wendy Froggatte described as “a really wicked virus,” flu season is not yet upon us.
Froggatte herself succumbed to sore throat, nausea, sinus congestion, headache and fever associated with the current cold. She hopes the bug will play out soon in Allen County, she said.
But, “as far as the flu is concerned, I haven’t heard anything dramatic” Froggatte said.
In preparation for flu season, the county has received 550 doses of seasonal flu vaccine, she said, available through appointments or at walk-in clinics at the health department, 221 S. Jefferson Ave.
Walk-in hours are Monday from 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5 p.m. and again Thursday mornings from 9 to noon.
Appointments outside of those hours may be set by contacting the department at 365-2191 or through www.sekmchd.com.
The allocated doses will also be used for site clinics, about which information will be forthcoming, Froggatte said.
Froggatte noted that the H1N1 vaccine has been incorporated into this year’s seasonal flu shot, so there is no need to receive two vaccinations this year.
The Health Department accepts Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance; others may receive the shot for $25. The vaccine is designed for those ages 4 and up.
Nasal vaccines will be available only after October for children in the state
Vaccines For Children program, which provides seasonal flu vaccine for under-insured, uninsured and Medicaid-covered children under the age of 18.
Flu shots available at Health Dept.
