Flu vaccination clinic in Rock Island Tuesday | Local news

As in the past, there are no expenses to pay for those who have a Medicare Part B card or an Illinois Medicaid card. Most Blue Cross, UnitedHealth Care, Health Alliance, Aetna, Coventry / First Health, HFN, HealthLink and Humana insurance are accepted. Please bring all insurance cards with you to the clinic.

Insurance coverage changes frequently, so please check with your insurer that your flu vaccine is covered.

For those who do not use insurance, the cost is $ 30. High-dose vaccines for seniors cost $ 50 without insurance. Visa and Mastercard will be accepted. For more information, please call the Department of Health at 309-794-7080.

Although this is the last clinic on Tuesday, vaccines will still be available by appointment.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that all persons 6 months of age and older be vaccinated. The annual flu shot is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu.

"We recommend that people be vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, if possible. It takes about two weeks after the vaccination to ensure that the body's immune response is fully responsive and protected, "said IDHR Director Nirav D. Shah. "Most people are protected against influenza vaccine, so if you get the flu shot, it will remain effective during the influenza season, which can last until May."

The flu season usually starts in October and peaks between December and March. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe illness. Severe cases of influenza can result in hospitalization or death.

In addition to being vaccinated against the flu, the IDPH recommends following the 3 Cs: clean, cover and contain.

• Clean – Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

• Cover – Cover your coughing and sneezing.

• Contain – Contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.