Will County Health Department prepared for flu season
Vaccines now available for all ages
As flu season approaches, the Will County Health Department officials would like to remind residents how important flu shots can be to maintaining one’s health. The health department is now offering flu shots for all ages at its locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook and Monee.
“The Center for Disease Control encourages everyone to get vaccinated against the flu virus,” said Sue Olenek, executive director of the Will County Health Department. “It is the single best way to protect against the flu.”
Walk-in shots are available each Monday through Friday at the Will County Health Department, 501 Ella Avenue in Joliet. Walk-in hours are: Mondays, 8-11:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1-6 p.m.; Thursdays 8-11:30 am; Fridays, 8-11:30 a.m. Please note: the Walk-in Immunization Clinic is closed on the fourth Friday of each month.
Vaccines are also available on Tuesdays by appointment at the Health Department branch office at 323 Quadrangle Drive in Bolingbrook and Wednesdays by appointment at 5601 Monee-Manhattan Road, Suite 107 in Monee. For an appointment at either branch office location, call (815) 740-8143 or toll free (877) 942-5807.
The cost for an adult flu shot (persons 19 years and older) is $40. Shots for persons between six months and 18 years old is $23.75. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Please bring your Medicare/Medicaid card. Adults with Medicare HMO or Managed Care Medicaid insurance and children on the CHIP Program with Managed Care Medicaid coverage must go to a provider in their insurance network for their flu shot. Children (17 years old and younger) must be accompanied to clinic by their parent/legal guardian and have their shots record with them.
The Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine is available for persons six months old and older. The High-Dose Flu vaccine is available for persons 65 years old and older. Egg-free Flu Vaccines will be available for persons four years old and older who have a severe allergy to eggs. Flu vaccinations are provided based upon availability.
Flu shots are encouraged for anyone over the age of six months. According to the CDC, shots are especially critical for persons ages 50 and over, those between 19 and 50 years old with chronic medical conditions, all children older than six months, pregnant women, healthcare providers and people in contact with infants under six months old. Persons sick with a cold or fever should delay receiving a flu shot until their symptoms pass.
Information regarding Flu Clinics is on the Will County Health Department website at www.willcountyhealth.org or you can contact the Flu Information Line at (815) 740-7624.
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