Mahaska Health Partnership: There’s Still Time to Get Your Flu Shot
EM Of Influenza Virus (photo courtesy of CDC)
MAHASKA COUNTY – While there’s been a lot of talk about the flu already this year, Mahaska Health Partnership wants you to know that it is not too late to get your flu shot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Iowa’s flu activity is widespread over the state and the country. The flu virus got an early start this year, but the season is far from over. There is still time to get your flu shot and minimize the effects of this sometimes deadly virus.
“MHP Public Health still has plenty of influenza vaccines available,” said MHP Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy. “Your best defenses against the flu are to get vaccinated and to practice good hand hygiene.”
MHP Public Health participates in the Vaccines for Children Program that provides flu vaccines to Medicaid and underinsured children ages 6 months to 18 years old. The cost for the flu shot is $20 and Medicare Plan B can be billed with proof of card.
“While the vaccine does not guarantee you will not get the flu at all, it will lessen the symptoms in the event that you do get the virus,” explained Malloy. “It usually takes about a week or two to develop immunity, so the sooner you come in, the better.”
For more information regarding the flu vaccination, this year’s flu impact or to make an appointment to get your flu shot, call MHP Public Health at 641.673.3257. Appointments are available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 4 pm on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa, Mahaska Health West building (entrance #6). Afterhours appointments can be arranged by request.
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.
