Walk-In Flu & COVID Shot Clinics
The Flu and COVID vaccines will be offered at three more walk-in clinics at Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health on October 30, November 6, and November 13, from 9-11:30 am each day. Anyone is welcome to walk in without an appointment to receive either or both of these vaccines. Appointments can also be made for any Wednesday afternoon by calling 563-568-5660.
Flu shots are recommended for all those who have not yet received the vaccine and will be effective throughout the rest of the flu season. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, flu vaccines are proven to help prevent millions of illnesses and have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40-60%. COVID-19 vaccines help protect by creating an antibody response without having to experience potentially severe illness or post-COVID conditions. Although it is still possible to get sick after being vaccinated, flu and COVID immunizations are proven to help prevent severe illness, which can be lifesaving.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance DO cover the cost of the flu and COVID vaccines. Billing for vaccinations will be completed by the Community and Home Care staff, but participants will need to bring their Medicare number or private insurance card with them. If insurance does not cover these immunizations, they can be purchased instead. The cost for a flu shot is $35, with the Sr. High Dose is $75. For those uninsured or underinsured (age 19+), there is a program called Bridges to Access, which provides the COVID-19 vaccine and may charge an administration fee of up to $19.68. The site must waive this fee if the person is unable to pay the requested administration fee.
Flu vaccines have been proven safe and effective for people with any form of an egg allergy. Former safety measures are no longer recommended for flu vaccination of people with an egg allergy. However, all flu vaccines should continue to be given in settings where allergic reactions can be recognized and treated quickly. The flu vaccines have also been updated to include the strains that are most likely to circulate during this year’s flu season.
For more information about these vaccination clinics or to make an appointment to receive the vaccine(s) on a Wednesday afternoon, please call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Department at (563) 568-5660.
