OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Health Department is urging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza (flu). The County has received its shipment of flu vaccine and will begin hosting flu clinics at the Health Department beginning Saturday, Sept. 29.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, Influenza HD (High Dose) Vaccine for persons 65 and older will be available. All LCHD influenza vaccines are preservative free. The fee for the flu shot will be $25. The fee for the influenza HD will be $50. Billing will be provided for Medicare part B and Medicaid eligible clients and also for most health insurance companies. You must have your card with you. 

No doctor’s order is required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All of the clinics will be held in Ottawa at the LCHD on the following days:

Saturday, Sept. 29 - 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 18 - 1–5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 25 - 1–5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 15 - 1–5 p.m.

The flu vaccine’s effectiveness varies from year to year, but for those who still get the flu, the symptoms are milder than in those who have not been immunized. Influenza HD will be given to persons 65 and older. Human immune defenses become weaker with age. Aging decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response. A higher dose of protection in the vaccine is added to give older persons a better immune response. This additional protection is intended to create a stronger immune response which will make the vaccine more effective in the elderly.

To lessen your chances of developing the flu, adults and children need to practice good hygiene measures. Teach the importance of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and educate children about hand to mucous membrane transmission. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your children is through frequent and thorough hand washing. People who are exhibiting “flu-like” symptoms should stay home from work, out of childcare and school to minimize transmission.

This is also a good time for certain individuals to get a pneumonia vaccination. People who should get a pneumonia shot include:

* Persons aged 65 and older

* Adults and children with chronic illnesses such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease

* Diabetics

All persons with a weakened immune system caused by conditions such as HIV, cancer, organ transplant, immunosuppressive medicine, splenectomy, or any other chronic condition.

For those under 65 with a chronic illness, it is recommended that it be repeated once after five years. A pneumonia shot is usually necessary only once for those over the age of 65.

The pneumonia vaccine will only be available at the health department flu clinics. For more information on influenza, call (815) 433-3366, visit the LCHD website at www.lasallecounty.org/hd or like them on Facebook/Twitter.