Mahaska Health Partnership Updates on Flu Vaccines
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Flu season is approaching and Mahaska Health Partnership wants patients to know vaccination clinics have been scheduled on the Oskaloosa campus.
Starting in September, patients can receive their flu vaccine during a regular appointment with their primary care provider or have their vaccine administered during a hospital stay. For those looking to get their vaccine without an appointment, weekly flu vaccination clinics will begin inside entrance #4 on Wednesday, September 21.
“We are doing things a little different this year,” MHP Development Director Ross Schultz explained. “For the convenience of our patients, we will have one location for flu vaccination. Whether a patients wants to pay cash, bill insurance or utilize the vaccines for children program; they can get their vaccination inside entrance #4.”
Flu shot clinics will be held every Wednesday starting Sept. 21 until Oct. 26 from 7 am to 6 pm inside entrance #4. MHP can bill insurance or accept cash payment for vaccines. “Our goal is to make getting your vaccine as easy as possible,” Schultz shared. “Through the partnership of MHP Public Health and the Medical Group, we can do just that.”
Flu vaccines are $25 for regular dose, and $40 for high-dose, available to those 65 years and older. “We are not offering the flu mist this year because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) deemed it ineffective,” Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy, RN, said. “As the primary healthcare provider in Mahaska County, we want to offer our patients the best protection possible. The injected vaccine offers the best protection from influenza.”
According to the CDC, the flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. The vaccine can take up to two weeks to provide full protection, so getting it before the start of flu season is the best way to avoid being vulnerable to the virus.
Malloy stressed the importance of a flu vaccine for all members of your family. “There are some individuals who are unable to get the vaccine. If you can be vaccinated, you will be helping protect those who can’t. Follow good hygiene practices by covering your coughs and washing your hands properly too. If everyone takes the proper precautions, we can minimize the effects of influenza on our community this season.”
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 on how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
