Have you gotten your flu shot?
Two viruses - seasonal influenza and COVID-19 - will be circulating throughout the community at the same time. This situation makes it more important than ever for you and your family to get the flu shot this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older get a flu shot. The Kent County Health Department will begin offering flu shots on October 5 at three locations:
- KCHD Main Clinic at 700 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids
- KCHD South Clinic at 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood
- Sheldon Clinic at 121 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids
Appointments: can be made by calling (616) 632-7200.
Fees: $73 for injectable egg free vaccine; $40 for preservative free injectable vaccine; and $73 for high dose. FluMist is not available this year.
Payment: Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Children: Free vaccine for children six months through 18 years who do not have insurance or have insurance that does not cover vaccines. However, there is a sliding administration fee between $0-$23. Medicaid-eligible children receive a free vaccine and the administration fee is paid by Medicaid. We bill Blue Cross/Blue Shield or Blue Care Network.
Adults: We accept and bill Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Blue Care Network.
Vaccine: The egg free vaccine is for ages 18 and older; whereas, the high dose vaccine is available for individuals 65 years of age or older. The inactivated vaccine can be given to anyone six months and older.
Since little is known about the risk of having the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously, it is extremely important for you and your family to get a flu shot. If a strain of the flu should become its own pandemic this Fall, the burden to our healthcare system could be devastating. For more information about the flu and ways to protect yourself and your family, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.