Fremonttribune

Three Rivers Public Health Department has COVID-19 and flu vaccines

B.James55 min ago

Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) encourages everyone to plan for vaccinations this fall to protect against respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19. Vaccines are an essential tool to help keep you and your family healthy by reducing the risk of infections and serious illness.

COVID-19 and flu vaccines available

Updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024–2025 season are now available for everyone aged 6 months and older. These vaccines target the latest variants, KP.2 and JN.1, offering stronger protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

The health department offers these key recommendations:

• Ages 5 and older: Regardless of previous vaccination status, one dose of the updated vaccine is recommended. If recently vaccinated, wait at least two months before getting the updated shot. If you have had COVID recently, consider delaying vaccination for about three months.

• Children 6 months to 4 years: The number of doses varies based on prior vaccination status. Consult your pediatrician for the recommended schedule.

• Immunocompromised individuals: May need additional doses; follow your healthcare provider's guidance.

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine. It is particularly important for high-risk groups, including older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant people, and young children, to protect against severe symptoms.

Vaccine clinics

Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at the health department's three clinic locations:

• Fremont office: 2400 N. Lincoln Ave, Fremont. The clinic hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

• Blair office: Vinton Corner Building, 1762 Washington St., Suite 205, Blair. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday.

• Wahoo office: 1320 31st St., Wahoo. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday.

Billing and availability

Three Rivers will bill insurance for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines. For those without insurance, the health department has a limited supply of flu vaccines available. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive vaccines as long as supplies last. Additionally, Three Rivers has a limited number of flu vaccines for uninsured adults provided through the Adult Immunization program, available while stocks last.

Why get vaccinated?

• COVID-19 vaccine: The COVID-19 vaccine is crucial for protecting against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly with new variants emerging. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations helps prevent serious health issues and reduces the spread of the virus, safeguarding both yourself and your community.

• Flu vaccine: The flu shot reduces your chances of catching the flu and lowers the risk of severe illness. In seasons when the flu vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses, it can reduce doctor visits by 40% to 60%.

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