SEARHC to hold flu vaccine clinic on Oct. 22

Despite a global COVID-19 pandemic the past two and a half years, influenza — the flu — is still among us.

To that end, the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium will hold a flu clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Wrangell Medical Center

SEARHC is asking people to call and schedule a time slot to reduce wait time, however walk-ins are still welcome. The clinic was originally scheduled for Oct. 8 but was rescheduled due to a delay in the shipment of vaccines.

Between 2010 and 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were between 9 million and 41 million cases of the flu, with 140,000 to 710,000 of those leading to hospitalization and 12,000 to 52,000 deaths. Studies conducted by the CDC show the flu vaccine reduces the risk of the illness between 40% to 60%.

People unable to attend Saturday’s clinic can still schedule an appointment to get the flu shot by calling SEARHC at 907-874-7000.

According to Randi Yancey, medical office coordinator at the hospital, everyone 6 months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine. She said those who have a severe allergy to an ingredient in flu vaccine or have had a severe reaction in the past should speak with their medical provider before getting the shot.

Common side effects from receiving a flu shot include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches and fatigue. Yancey said the shot, like other injections, can sometimes cause fainting.

Yancey said the medical center has held flu clinics even during the pandemic.

“Prior to COVID, the Wrangell Medical Center would hold annual clinics for high dose vaccines,” she said. “In 2020, a drive-through community vaccine clinic was held to administer influenza vaccines while practicing social distancing. The event was so highly attended that the (hospital) has continued to hold a Saturday clinic on an annual basis.”

Anyone who has recently had a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot can still attend the flu shot clinic as there is no recommended waiting period between the two vaccinations. Only flu shots will be administered at Saturday’s clinic.