Flu immunization clinic offered next week

Seniors in Wrangell will have a different weapon available this year against seasonal aches and chills brought on by influenza.

A “high-dose” vaccine with four times the antigens of the regular, “low-dose” version is being offered by Wrangell Medical Center during its annual adult immunization clinic. This high-dose version of the immunization is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults aged 65 years or older.

According to the CDC’s website, human immune defenses weaken with age, placing older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. Also, aging decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is found to give older people a better immune response, providing better protection against flu.

WMC will offer the clinic from 1 to 5 pm Friday, Oct. 3 downstairs at the Harbor Light church. The cost for an immunization is $25 per low-dose and $35 per high-dose. As before, clinicians will be able to bill people’s insurance, SEARHC, Medicare and Medicaid. People coming for shots will need to bring their insurance information with them to the church, and are advised to wear short- or loose-sleeved shirts to the clinic.

According to CDC recommendations, being immunized early in the flu season ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is at its highest. The vaccine is developed yearly to protect against flu strains that scientists predict will be most virulent. While everyone is encouraged to get immunized, it is particularly important for people aged 50 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.

For more information call for Wrangell Medical Center’s MDS coordinator, Katrina Ottesen, at 874-7000.