By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Flu season is upon us.
Ahead of the height of flu season, the St. Joseph Health Department now has flu shots available and is encouraging people to come and get them.
Interim Clinic Supervisor Kristi Billings says those that are young, or older, that are considered high-risk should come and get their flu shot
“It’s always a good idea to go ahead and get it, or if you’re highly susceptible, everybody’s a little bit different some people get it a little easier than others,” Billings tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, anybody that feels that they need it, we have it available.”
Billings says there are still plenty of vaccines available at the clinic.
“We have had a few patients in and out, since we just put out the release, we don’t expect it to be a mass rush, but we want everybody to know it’s available to them,” Billings explains.
Billings says now is a great time to get your flu vaccine
“The kids are in school; we’re going to start having some weather changes and that lets the flu build a little bit better,” Billings says. “And then we’re already seeing a few flu cases, so the sooner you get it, the sooner it can build up and protect you a little bit more.
Last year, Billings says flu cases were higher than usual, pointing out most years there is a drop in numbers through the flu season but last year it didn’t ever drop.
The vaccine is available with or without insurance. If you do not have insurance, there is a limited supply available.
If you can’t make it to the department, Billings says once again the free flu shot clinic will be held on Thursday
“We offer anybody over the age of 19 at the city-wide flu clinic, if they’re not able to come in we accommodate them at the curb, and we offer it free of charge,” Billings says.
The clinic will run from 8:30am to noon, or while supplies last, at the Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.
