Flu Vaccine Available Today
Flu season is looming, and flu shots are still scarce.
And while Spokane health care providers cry foul that private companies aren’t giving their precious medicine to the people who need it most, the Panhandle Health District’s supply is starting to trickle in.
“We’re still ahead of the flu season,” said public health nursing supervisor Marie Rau.
Nationwide, clinics and doctor offices are short of the flu vaccines, due to a manufacturer difficulty in replicating one of this year’s viruses.
Two weeks ago, the district got 1,000 doses and began distributing the vaccines across North Idaho, based on population - but only to people 65 or older or those suffering from heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.
Today, the health district will set up flu vaccine clinics at area senior centers. Still, only those most at risk of serious illness will get the vaccine.
The district will bill Medicaid and Medicare for the vaccine given to those at highest risk. All others will pay $10.
Rau said the health district’s supplier has promised that all 10,000 doses the district ordered will arrive by the end of December.
For recorded information about vaccine availability in North Idaho, call (208) 765-0191.
This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO Flu shots today
Lake City Senior Center, Coeur d’Alene, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Post Falls Senior Center, 9-3.
Rathdrum Senior Center, 9:30-noon.
Bayview Community Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spirit Lake Senior Center, 1-3:30 p.m