The flu virus can lead to serious respiratory infections that sometimes lead to hospitalizations. The flu, which is more severe than a cold, can come on suddenly, and can include the following symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, tiredness, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.
Influenza can be especially deadly for older adults. Getting the flu puts you at a higher risk of dying from other illnesses, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other lung diseases. Ninety percent of influenza-related deaths occur in older adults. The high dose vaccine, which contains four times the amount of protection when compared to the standard flu vaccine, is recommended for adults age 65 and older.
Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step to protect everyone in your family against this year’s flu season. It is recommended everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine every year. Only the injectable flu vaccine is recommended this year. Other important steps include frequent hand washing, staying home when you’re sick, and staying away from people who are sick.
The Kankakee County Health Department will be holding walk-in flu clinics on Tuesday and Thursdays to help prevent the spread of flu in our community. They can provide various types of vaccines to meet the needs of the community, including the high dose vaccine for seniors. In addition, they will be providing RSV, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines during the walk in. COVID-19 vaccines soon will be available. The health department’s inventory currently is being restocked. Follow them on Facebook for updates on when the Kankakee County Health Department will have them available.
Walk-in flu clinics will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for all ages. Clients also may call to schedule an appointment.
The health department accepts many private insurances, including Medicaid, and Medicare, and most insurances cover the flu shot at no cost to you. For those who do not have insurance coverage, prices will be based on income.