Flu shots recommended, available
It’s flu season in North Idaho. Health officials recommend you get a flu shot and practice other preventive measures, such as regular hand-washing, covering your cough and sneezing in your sleeve.
“It is vital that the population gets their vaccine,” said Randi Lustig, program manager for epidemiology services with the Panhandle Health District. “We encourage people to get their flu shot – that’s the most important thing.”
The flu kills 36,000 people in the United States every year and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people each year with complications, according to information provided by the health district. The flu is a respiratory illness that spreads quickly and easily. Officials recommend people with symptoms – fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches – should stay home to protect others from catching the virus.
There should be no shortage of flu vaccine this year, according to immunization coordinator Mareva Kammeyer. “The flu vaccine is more available than ever. It appears they are shipping to providers on time, with plenty available.”
Panhandle Health District is offering flu shots at $25 each, payable by Medicare, Medicaid, cash or check. Flu mist for healthy children ages 5 to 18 is available at $5 each. Flu shots for high-risk children ages 6 to 18 are also available for $5. Vaccinations are available to anyone and will be given until supplies are exhausted. No appointment is necessary.
A series of flu clinics in outlying areas will end with a final clinic on Friday at Post Falls Trading Co., from 9 a.m. to noon. Flu vaccinations will also be available every Friday through November at the Health District building in Hayden. The flu clinics will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Many physicians, urgent care facilities and pharmacies have flu vaccine available as well. According to www.findaflushot.com information, local Costco, Rosauers and Yoke’s stores will be offering flu shot clinics. Check out the Web site for more information. Every North Idaho Medical Care Center has supplies of the vaccine available for $25. Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Hayden’s are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The Rathdrum and Sandpoint North Idaho Medical Care Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointments are necessary.
The Panhandle Health District office is l at 8500 N. Atlas Road. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call the Flu Hotline at 415-5299 or Panhandle Health at 415-5100.