Health department holds flu vaccine clinic Oct. 6

The Flathead City-County Health Department’s annual flu clinic is on Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

In preparation for this coming influenza, commonly known as flu, season, the health department would like to remind everyone to take the first and most important step in protecting against the flu by getting a flu shot. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every season. Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu, but it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including: people 65 years and older; children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years old; people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD, diabetes (both type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurological conditions, and certain other health conditions; and pregnant women.

During the flu clinic, face coverings are required for all individuals age 5 and older. Most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare will be accepted; no child will be refused vaccine due to inability to pay. For more information call 751-8101.