| Minnie Hamilton Health System announces they are currently offering flu shots. The shots will be available in all clinics and can be scheduled as a nurse appointment by calling 304-354-9244.
Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 12 and those with Medicaid will need to be seen by a provider. The cost will be $15 for children and adults. Flu mist nasal spray is $25. Pneumonia shots are $153. When appropriate, insurance will be billed.
Students can receive the flu shot at the School Based Health Centers during regular hours. Any parent wishing for their child to receive the flu shot will need to contact Stacey Starcher at 304-354-6851 to request a consent form. An influenza vaccination permission form must be completed before it can be administered.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best prevention is a vaccination annually. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that every year, 5-20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of flu include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, muscle aches, and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.
Remember, call 304-354-9244 for your appointment today.
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