Crystal Falls and Kingsford, Michigan – September 13, 2024. The Dickinson-Iron District
Health Department (DIDHD) announces plans to conduct the following off-site community influenza
(flu) clinics. Appointments are necessary; no walk-ins will be accepted. Please contact the office
directly at 906-774-1868 (Dickinson County) or 906-265-9913 (Iron County) to make an appointment.
There will also be a weekly in-house clinic at our Kingsford and Crystal Falls locations; contact us for
more information regarding dates and times.
DICKINSON COUNTY CLINIC DATES:
Norway School – Library – Thursday, October 17, 2024, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
IRON COUNTY CLINIC DATES:
Windsor Center (Aspirus Health Fair) – Iron River, MI – Wednesday, October 9, 2024,
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For Influenza vaccine, the Health Department will bill Medicare Part B, Michigan Medicaid and
most private health insurances. Bring a copy of your insurance card. For self-pay, check or exact
change is accepted. Self-pay prices for influenza vaccine are as follows; Standard Flu – $40.00 and
High Dose Flu – $85.00.
-MORE-
Health officials state it is very important to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Flu is a contagious
disease spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women,
and people with certain health conditions – such as heart, lung or kidney disease or a weakened
immune system – are at higher risk for complication from the flu virus. Flu can cause high fever and
pneumonia and make existing medical conditions worse.
Each year thousands of people die from seasonal flu and even more require hospitalization. A
flu vaccine is a great tool to decrease the chance hospitalization due to influenza. Our goal is to
increase influenza vaccination, decrease flu related hospitalizations, and spare the local hospital
systems from overcrowding or overwhelm. The single best way to protect yourself and your loved
ones against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of
age and older receive a flu vaccine. The DIDHD also encourages new parents, health care
professionals, and those who have contact with people aged 65 and older to get vaccinated to help
protect these high-risk individuals.
This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for the three viruses
responsible for most hospitalizations – COVID-19, RSV, and flu. Vaccines are a core prevention
strategy to lower your risk of respiratory viruses and an important step that you can take to protect
yourself and others this year. Contact your primary care provider or the health department if you are
interested in scheduling an appointment for COVID-19 and/or RSV vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Getting a 2024-25
booster is important because protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases with time. And
COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating
strains.
RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older, but also for those adults 60-74
who are at increased risk of severe disease.
RSV protection is also recommended for infants who are especially vulnerable to the disease.
This might be by direct vaccination to the infant during key respiratory months or by vaccinating the
mother at 32-36 weeks gestation.
If you or your family is unable to attend the off-site clinics, please call us to schedule your flu
vaccine during a clinic held at the health department. For more information visit www.cdc.gov or
contact the Health Department at (906) 774-1868 or (906) 265-9913.
###
Comments