New Location for MHP’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Sept. 28
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership Public Health is continuing its annual “Drive-Thru Flu Clinic” on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 7 am to Noon. However, due to parking lot construction, the event will be held at entrance #1 on MHP’s campus.
“All people have to do is drive under the teal awning off C Avenue East, and we will be waiting to provide their flu vaccine,” said MHP Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy. “We will have signage directing people to the new location and encourage people to use this convenient service to get their annual flu shots.”
During the Drive-thru clinic, people age 6 months and older can get a flu vaccine without even getting out of their car. The flu shot is $20 and the flu mist is $25. Medicare Plan B can be billed with proof of card. MHP Public Health also participates in the VFC program that provides flu vaccines to Medicaid, underinsured and uninsured children ages 6 months to 18 years old.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the influenza virus changes every year as it makes its way around the world. Since the exact flu viruses are almost never the same from year to year, the strains of influenza in the vaccine change each year, which is why people need to get a new flu vaccine annually.
Malloy said that the IDPH recommends yearly flu vaccination for almost everyone over 6 months of age, and is especially important for those people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, such as children younger than five; adults 65 years of age and older; pregnant women; and people with certain medical conditions like heart and lung problems, or diabetes.
“MHP Public Health is also currently offering Flu Clinics Weekly on Mondays from 8 am to Noon and on Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm,” Malloy said. “If those times don’t work for you, we can schedule appointments for another time that does, but you must call us to schedule at 641.673.3257.”
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
