Knox County Health Department to Offer Walk-In Flu Vaccine Clinic

The Knox County Health Department, located at 1361 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, will be offering a Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinic on Monday, October 6^th from 8:30am – 3:30pm. The cost for the flu vaccine this year is $48 for adults, $123 for high-dose. Medicaid and Medicare, cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted.

“The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall,” states Tammy Nelson, LPN-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Knox County Health Department. “It is important to remember that the viruses which cause the flu change and protection declines withing a year after vaccination, so people who need the vaccine should get it every year. Seasonal flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone! Beginning with those who are at least 6 months old; however, it is especially important for pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people with compromised immune systems, as well as anyone one who lives with them. For adults aged 65 and older, the high dose flu vaccine contains four times the antigen of a standard vaccine to provide stronger immune response and better protection against severe illness.

It takes up to two weeks for the body to build full immunity after vaccination, which is why getting vaccinated early is important. The typical peak flu season is January through March. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu can cause fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, chills, and muscle aches.

To prevent the flu individuals should continue to practice preventive measures by following the 3C’s –

• Clean – wash your hands

• Cover – cover your cough and sneeze

• Contain – contain your germs- stay home if you are sick.

Please contact the Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224 or go to www.knoxcountyhealtlh.org for more information about the flu vaccine or if you would like to make an appointment.