Flu shots start Oct. 15
As flu season is nearing, the Warren County Health Department will soon offer flu shots to area residents.
Beginning Oct. 15, the shots will be made available to those considered “high risk.” This grouping includes those people age 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses, and children six months to 23 months old.
Flu shots will be made available to everyone else Nov. 1.
Gerane Todd, the health department’s supervising nurse, recommends everyone receive a flu shot.
“The flu is an unnecessary illness. If there’s something to take for it, take it,” Todd said.
While receiving a flu shot does not guarantee one will not get the flu, as a particular strain may not be included in the shot, she noted thus far the shots have proved effective.
Todd added last year Warren County did not see that many flu cases – a fact she attributes to the high level of inoculations given last year both by the health department and by private health providers.
To receive a flu shot at the health department an appointment must be made ahead of time. To do so, call the health department at 473-8468.
Shots are $12 each and are covered by Medicare and TennCare. Pneumonia shots will also be available for $17.