MHP Public Health to Offer Flu Vaccines at Oskaloosa Senior Center Oct. 20
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership Public Health is offering flu vaccinations at the Oskaloosa Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 11 am – Noon during the blood pressure clinics.
The regular vaccine or mist is $25. A high-dose vaccine is also available for those 65 years of age and older for $30. Medicare Part B can be billed with proof of card, but no other insurance can be billed.
“The CDC recommends everyone get the flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves from the influenza virus,” MHP Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy said. “Full protection can take up to two weeks to develop, and protection lasts for a full year, so the earlier the better to keep you and your loved ones safe from the flu.”
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, the strains used to make the vaccine change each year, which is why people need to get a new flu vaccine annually.
“It is especially important for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, such as children younger than age 5; adults 65 years of age and older; pregnant women; and people with certain medical conditions including heart and lung problems or diabetes to be vaccinated,” Malloy explained. “Caregivers and family members should also be vaccinated in order to help protect loved ones who are at a higher risk for flu complications.”
If you are unable to attend and still wish to get vaccinated, Public Health is offering weekly walk-in flu clinics on the MHP campus. Vaccines are available through entrance #1 on Mondays from 8 am – Noon and Thursdays from 1 – 4 pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment outside of the scheduled walk-in times, call 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, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.
