The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department began hosting flu clinics this week across the area The flu clinic schedule, available online at vbcassdhd.org/flu, runs through November 14. Individuals wanting the flu vaccine may visit any of the walk-in public flu clinics or schedule an appointment at the Hartford or Dowagiac clinics by calling (269) 740-4155.
Clinic hours in Hartford are every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. Clinic hours in Dowagiac are held the first and third Wednesday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) noted elevated activity throughout Michigan, and Van Buren and Cass counties, during the 2017-18 flu season, including two pediatric influenza deaths, confirmed by the MDHHS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation had some of the highest national hospitalization rates ever recorded.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department and MDHHS strongly recommend everyone age six months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. Flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of flu illness. Vaccine is especially important for person at increased risk for complications from flu, including children, adults age 65 and older, persons of any age with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women. Children younger than six months of age are too young to be vaccinated and need to be protected by vaccination of their close contacts, including parents, siblings, grandparents, child care workers, and healthcare personnel.
Public flu shot clinics will be offered in Van Buren County at the following locations, dates, and times:
- BANGOR – Monday, Oct. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Services of Van Buren County site, Simpson United Methodist Church, 507 Joy Street.
- HARTFORD – Friday, October 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Service of Van Buren County site, Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 E. Main Street.
- PAW PAW – Monday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Services of Van Buren County site, Freshwater Community Church, 600 E. Michigan Avenue.
- SOUTH HAVEN – Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Senior Services of Van Buren County site, South Haven Senior Center, 1635 76th Street.
- DECATUR – Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Decatur VFW Hall, 560 N. Phelps Street.
To find the nearest flu vaccine, call your healthcare provider, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, or visit vaccinefinder.org.