Flu Vaccines Dwindling, But Greenfield Health Department in Good Shape

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has highlighted the recent surge in influenza cases across the state, and especially in Wisconsin.  The influenza season has not peaked yet, but statewide hospitalizations related to influenza are up three-fold over previous years. 

“It’s not too late to get your influenza vaccination,” states Darren Rausch, Health Officer/Director for the Greenfield Health Department. “Receiving the influenza vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against influenza.”

The Greenfield Health Department still has influenza vaccinations clinics available to provide to residents. Flu season is in full effect with high rates of influenza reported across the state of Wisconsin. Rates are particularly high in Southeastern Wisconsin within the <1 years of age and >65 years of age groups. The Health Department urges residents to take note that annual vaccination significantly reduces the risk of complications due to influenza and will prevent many people from becoming ill due to the virus.  For the school-age population, vaccination provides a reduction of absenteeism related to influenza-related illness.

The Health Department will provide influenza vaccination on an appointment basis. You may contact the health department to schedule your immunization. The cost of the vaccination varies by Medicare eligibility and insurance status; details are bulleted below:

• Clients with Medicare Part B coverage only will have the cost of the vaccination billed directly to Medicare; clients should bring their Medicare Card(s) to the clinic so staff may screen for eligibility.
• Medicare Advantage plans, such as United HealthCare, AARP Medicare Complete or Humana Gold are not accepted. A receipt can be issued and the client can directly submit to their plan for reimbursement.
• The cost of influenza vaccination will be $25.00 for adults not eligible for Medicare Part B.

Tips to stop the spread this flu season:

• If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

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 months of October or November yet now is not too late.  The influenza vaccination is encouraged throughout the fall and winter months because the influenza season peaks in February.

For more information or to set an appointment, please contact the Greenfield Health Department at (414) 329-5275.

To view Health Officer Darren Rausch's interview with WISN News, click here.

To read additional Wisconsin flu information, visit www.flu.wisconsin.gov.