With children heading back to school, and adults back to work after a busy summer, Lincoln County Health Department encourages residents to protect themselves and others by getting their flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone age six months and older should be vaccinated. Only 23% of adults in Lincoln County received their flu shot last year, according to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR).
“The most effective way to prevent influenza is by getting your flu shot,” said Mindy Schwarz, Public Health Nurse for Lincoln Country. “Flu shots should be given yearly and as soon as they are available. This is usually early September or October; however, flu shots can and should still be given through late spring for those who did not receive it early.”
Last year’s influenza season was moderately severe, leaving 11 Lincoln County residents hospitalized. Peak season occurred during the last week of December and first week in January. Influenza and complications from influenza are serious; please get vaccinated.
Lincoln County Health Department is now holding flu clinics for adults, at the following sites, dates and times:
Remember Walk-In Wednesays Adult Flu Clinics in Merrill. These will be held at Lincoln County Health Department, 607 N. Sales St., weekly on Wednesdays for the months of September and October, and Nov. 6 and 13. This will be a walk-in clinic and no appointment is needed. Hours will be from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
In Tomahawk, the Adult walk-in flu clinic will be held at Nelson’s County Market, 662 N. 4th St., Tuesday, Sept. 17, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bradley Town Hall, 1518 W. Mohawk Dr., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The cost of the flu shots is $30 for adults. The health department is able to bill Traditional Medicare, Advocare and Railroad Retirement, but not any other Medicare HMO’s or private insurance. Please bring your insurance card. No appointment is necessary.
If you have more questions about influenza or times of clinics, please call Lincoln County Health Department at 536-0307.