Flu

At the Macon County Health Department, it is our job to help promote health and prevent illness to help keep you and your family healthy. There are small steps we can take to promote our health and reduce the chances of becoming severely ill from certain viruses: staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, getting a yearly flu vaccine, regularly washing your hands, cleaning frequently touched places at home and work, and staying home when you are feeling sick.

 

Request an Appointment

Flu vaccine are available in our office by appointment or on a walk-in basis daily. We have multiple flu vaccines available to help you get the best coverage based on your age and health conditions: 

 

Drive Thru Flu Vaccine Clinics

• Flu vaccines will be available for adults –
  • High-dose flu vaccine and flublok are available for those who meet the age or employment criteria.
  • Pediatric flu vaccines are being provided at all Macon County schools and will be available at the Macon County Health Department
• The most up-to-date COVID-19 immunization will be offered.  We are waiting for fall guidance from the CDC.
• Bring your insurance card or a copy of the front and back.
• Flu vaccines will be available at drive-thrus at no cost for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt as vaccine(s) will be given in the arm.
• You can complete your consent form and insurance information ahead of time. Fill out your form online!

Dates –

• Macon: October 2, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Macon County Fairgrounds
  • Our office will be closed all day for this clinic
• Callao: October 9, 2024, from 9:30-11:30 am in the parking lot of 36 & 3 cafe
• New Cambria: October 9, 2024, from 2-4 pm in the parking lot of the United Church of New Cambria
• Bevier: October 16, 2024, from 9:30- 11:30 am at the Bevier Ball Field
• Atlanta: October 16, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the Atlanta Community Building
• Elmer: October 22, 2024, from 10-11:30 am at the Community Center (414 E. Weeks)
• Ethel: October 22, 2024, from 1-2:30 pm at the Community Church (203 E. Main)
• La Plata: October 30, 2024, from 1:30-4 pm on the East Side of the La Plata Park
  • Our office will be closed from 12-5:30 for this clinic

Drive-thru Consent form

School Flu Clinics

Flu vaccine consent forms and insurance forms will be made available during the month of September at school and available on our website.

School Flu Form

Most insurance, Medicaid, and self-pay are accepted. A copy of your child’s insurance card will be required to insure adequate billing.  If you do not have insurance and would like your child to receive their flu immunization, MCHD will utilize the Vaccine for Children program at no cost to you.

Dates –

• Callao C-8: October 9, 2024
• Macon County R-IV: October 9, 2024
• Atlanta C-3: October 16, 2024
• Bevier C-4: October 16, 2024
• La Plata R-2: October 30, 2024

Staying Healthy During Flu Season and with COVID-19 in our Community

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.  COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for ages 6 months and up.
• Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between yourself and others
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Clean and disinfect frequently used items daily such as your phone, vehicle, kitchen, bathroom, door handles, light switches, etc.
• If indoors, help promote good ventilation by opening the window, if possible
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces that is well-fitting and covers the mouth and nose. Everyone over the age of 2 should wear a mask.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed.  You could also consider testing before an indoor gathering or large event to help protect others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze

Pneumonia and Shingles Vaccines are available for adults at our office 

• Pneumonia can be an illness on its own or secondary to a virus such as flu or COVID-19
  • If you are unsure if you are due for a pneumonia vaccine, call our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable nurses who can help direct you to which (if any) vaccine you are due for
• Shingles is a painful rash that can be prevented and avoid complications through vaccine
  • The shingles vaccine is approved for ages 50 and up
  • Call your insurance if you are interested to see how much they will cover
  • Medicare Part D will not cover the cost of a Shingles vaccine!

Childhood Immunizations

• Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for ages 6 months and up, to help keep children and infants from severe illness due to these viruses
• Staying on schedule for recommended and required childhood vaccinations gives your child immune support to help your children avoid getting these preventable illnesses
• Many vaccines are given in a series of multiple vaccines to help build the proper immune response to these viruses
• These preventable illnesses have been almost fully eradicated thanks to the development of childhood immunizations and herd immunity, where enough people in the community are vaccinated to prevent the spread of an infectious disease
• If you have questions or need recommendations on your child’s vaccination schedule, our knowledgeable nurses are available to help! Give us a call at 660-395-4711