Friday flu clinic to fight the seasonal bug

It’s that time of year again, with the hospital holding its annual flu clinic this week.

Set for Friday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. at Harbor Light Assembly of God Church, residents are encouraged to stop by for the discounted vaccination.

“The sooner you get it, the more protection you have as the season hits full swing,” said Kris Reed, outreach coordinator for Wrangell Medical Center.

The annual shots are meant to mitigate illnesses during the winter influenza season, focusing on particular strains thought likely to be prevalent. The WMC flu clinic is targeted toward people aged 18 and older, and is recommended for those working around children, the elderly, and those with depressed immune systems. It can also be helpful for people with plans to travel this winter, potentially staving off germs spread by fellow passengers. For people in the 65-year and older crowd, a high dosage injection is recommended.

“Generally speaking it will save you from the full-on flu,” said Reed.

The vaccination is just a quick shot in the arm, so participants are asked to wear loose- or short-sleeved clothing when coming by. Shots are administered by a combination of the hospital’s nursing staff and trained, registered volunteers.

Reed explained the clinic is a plus for those without insurance or whose coverage does not extend to inoculations. The cost is just $25 for a regular shot, or $35 for the higher dosage. Staff will be able to bill people’s care coverage on-site, but people are asked to bring an insurance card or pertinent paperwork and a photo ID. Those unable to make it to the flu clinic are invited to stop by the hospital’s main desk and ask for the vaccination.

While the WMC flu clinic is meant only for adults, the Department of Public Health (DPH) office also holds one suitable for children and young adults up through the age of 29. The DPH office in Petersburg reported it has not yet received its flu vaccinations for the year, but will be holding a clinic of its own once those arrive. The likely date will be sometime in November.

For more information on the shot,

who should get it – and who should not –

consult the fact page with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm or consult your medical practitioner.