On Monday, October 7th, the Knox County Health Department will begin offering the seasonal flu vaccine on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. The cost of the flu vaccine is $35, high does will cost $60- cash check or insurance.
“The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall,” states Tammy Nelson, LPN-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Knox County Health Department. “It’s important to understand that the viruses which cause the flu change often and protection declines within a year after vaccination, so people who need the vaccine should get it every year.” The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older as it become available to them.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu can cause fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, chills and muscle aches.
Residents of the community are advised that it not too early to get a flu shot and are encouraged to contact the Knox County Health Department or their family health care provider. To prevent the flu individuals should continue to consciously practice preventative measures by following the 3C’s-
- Clean – wash your hands
- Cover– cover your cough and sneeze
- Contain– contain your germs- stay home if you are sick
For more information about the flu vaccine or how to protect yourself and your family from the flu; contact the Health Department at 309-344-2224.
***Report Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
