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Berrien County Health Department offer walk-in flu vaccinations

Berrien County residents wanting to avoid the flu this season can now say “TGIFSF” –  thank goodness it’s flu shot Friday.

The Berrien County Health Department will offer walk-in flu vaccinations every Friday starting on Oct. 12, through December, at their offices at 2149 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Township and 1205 N. Front St. in Niles. Vaccinations also can be obtained by appointment.

Flu shots will be offered at the health department’s Three Oaks office at 21 N. Elm St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26 with no appointment necessary.

High-dose flu vaccinations and pneumonia vaccinations are also offered for those over age 65. Most insurance plans will cover the cost for these vaccines, but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.

Berrien County health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu. Every person six months and older should get the flu vaccine every year, especially certain groups who are considered at highest risk, such as young children, pregnant women, and adults who have chronic health conditions or are over the age of 65.

Anyone can get the flu, including healthy children and adults. Receiving a flu vaccine is the most effective method of preventing the flu. If you receive a vaccination and still get the flu, the vaccine may make flu symptoms milder and the length of illness shorter. The vaccine will also prevent you from spreading the flu to others, including those at risk of more serious illness.

Because it takes around two weeks for the flu shot to provide full protection against the virus, it is recommended that residents receive their vaccine before the end of October. The flu season usually starts in October, peaks from December through February, and sometimes can last as long as May.

There are many locations where residents can receive a flu vaccine, including the Berrien County Health Department, area pharmacies, workplaces, and through their family doctor’s office. The department’s website includes a flu vaccine finder.

Most insurance plans fully cover the cost of the annual flu vaccine. The health department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, MI Child, Priority Health, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances, and receipts are provided for other insurances to reimburse the cost. While the cost of the flu shot is usually free with insurance, no one will be turned away for an inability to pay.

In addition to vaccination, everyone can help prevent flu with frequent handwashing and by covering coughs and sneezes. If you do get sick, it is recommended that you stay home from work, school, or other public gatherings to help reduce the spread of illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the 2017-2018 flu season the illness caused more than 80,000 deaths nationwide, including 180 influenza-related pediatric deaths, and over 900,000 hospitalizations. It was one of the worst years for flu activity in decades in the United States.

The CDC also reports that flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses, and for the 2018-19 season the nasal flu spray is again a recommended option for those ages 2-49 and women who are not pregnant, and those without underlying medical conditions.

Read the full story here. 

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You’ve got questions. That’s a good thing.

As parents, determining how best to protect our children can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help.

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