By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Flu season is here, and Ellis County residents can get vaccinated through local health care providers or the Ellis County Health Department.
The health department is offering walk-in flu shots from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Melissa Miller, Ellis County health director, said the department considered whether it could offer a drive-through clinic after HaysMed decided not to hold one this year, but staffing limits made that difficult.
“We just tried to make it as easy as possible for people to come in and see us at our health department,” Miller said.
The department accepts insurance and has vaccines for people who are uninsured. Miller said they offer multiple different types of flu shots.
Miller encouraged people to call with questions about which vaccine is right for them or what it will cost.
“It's recommended everybody from 6 months and older to get a flu shot,” Miller said. “And so we have something to cover all of those different ages. We have pediatric flu, we can do a regular flu, we can do flu for egg allergy and we have the high dose flu for older or immunocompromised. We've got the right flu shot for you.”
Miller also said getting the vaccination will still help even if someone gets the flu.
“Nothing is 100% preventative, and you may still get the flu,” she said.,“but it will certainly cut down on your symptoms.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says flu vaccination can reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older who does not have a medical reason to avoid vaccination. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop. www.cdc.gov
Miller said vaccination can help protect people who are more vulnerable to serious illness, including babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Other steps can also help prevent the spread of flu, including washing hands, covering coughs and staying home or away from others when sick. www.cdc.gov
Miller said getting vaccinated is part of her yearly routine and for the last 14 years has never missed a flu shot. Miller said her work in public health has reinforced the value of prevention.
For people who are nervous about needles or nervous in general, Miller said the health department nurses work to make the process comfortable. The department also offers lollipops and stickers for patients after they receive a flu shot.
Flu shots available at HaysMed clinics
In a statement, Leanna Swart, HaysMed director of marketing, said HaysMed continues to offer flu vaccinations through HaysMed Family Medicine, Medical Specialists, Pediatrics, Pulmonology and Women’s Health. The clinics give patients options to get vaccinated as part of their routine care close to home.
The statement included a message from Dr. Heather Harris, HaysMed medical director and family medicine physician:
Our community is fortunate to have more access to flu vaccines than ever before. Patients can receive their flu shot through HaysMed clinics, local pharmacies, the Ellis County Health Department and other health care providers throughout the region.
The most important thing is not where you get your flu shot, but that you get one to help protect yourself, your family and your community during flu season.