Health Department to Hold Two Flu Vaccine Clinics This Month

The Greenfield Health Department has scheduled its annual adult influenza vaccination clinics for this month.

Annual influenza vaccination significantly reduces the risk of complications and will prevent many people from becoming ill due to the virus.

“Receiving the influenza vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against influenza,” said Darren Rausch, Health Officer/Director for the Greenfield Health Department. “It is important for everyone to protect themselves against the virus, especially those in high risk groups.”

The health department will host two adult influenza vaccination clinics: Thursday, Sept. 19,  from 9-11 a.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 2-4 p.m.

No appointments are necessary at this clinic and clients will be served on a first-come, first -served basis. The cost of the vaccination varies by Medicare eligibility and insurance status; details are bulleted below:

• Clients with original Medicare Part B plans are accepted, however, clients should bring their Medicare Card(s) to the clinic so staff may further screen for eligibility.
• Certain Medicare Advantage Plans (AARP and United Health Care only) are accepted and the costs of the vaccination will be billed directly to Medicare. Several other Medicare Advantage plans (Humana, Anthem, Today’s Options, Today’s Health, and others) are not accepted. In these instances, a receipt can be issued and the client can directly submit to their plan for reimbursement.
• The cost of influenza vaccination will be $30 for adults not eligible for Medicare Part B or one of the accepted Medicare Advantage plans listed above.

Influenza is a seasonal, respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, cough and muscle aches. Most people recover within a week although influenza can last longer causing life-threatening complications in children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

The best time to receive an influenza vaccine is during the fall months. The influenza vaccination is encouraged throughout both the fall and winter months because the influenza season peaks in February.

The Greenfield Health Department will also hold vaccination clinics for school-age children on Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13. Additional details will be released later this month.