La Salle County offers walk-in flu vaccination clinics

Flu clinics set up in Mendota, Oglesby as well as health department

The La Salle County Health Department is offering walk-in flu vaccinations this week.

Flu vaccines will be available: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6; 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7; and noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.

The health department, 717 Etna Road, Ottawa. Flu vaccinations will be given in the vaccination trailer (look for an orange sign), which is located next to the COVID testing trailer and is in the health department’s parking lot.

Seasonal influenza vaccine and influenza HD (high dose) vaccine for people 65 and older are available. In addition, VFC (Vaccine for children) or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) flu vaccine is available. This would be for children 6 months through 18, who have Medicaid.

All La Salle County Health Department influenza vaccines are preservative free. The fee for the seasonal flu shot will be $25. The fee for influenza high dose will be $60.

The health department offers insurance billing or cash only payment. Debit or credit cards will not be accepted. You must have your insurance card and a photo ID. No doctor’s order is required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear a mask.

In addition the walk-in flu vaccination clinics being available at the La Salle County Health Department, the following clinics are scheduled in the community: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Mendota Area Senior Services, inside the Mendota Civic Center at 1901 Tom Merwin Drive, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Oglesby Elks Lodge, 800 E. Walnut St.

If you are still in need of a COVID-19 vaccination, it is safe to receive the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. All COVID-19 vaccinations must be scheduled. Call the health department at 815-433-3366 to make an appointment. The health department encourages everyone who is eligible to receive their flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine to ensure everyone is protected as they possibly can heading into cold and flu season.

To lessen chances of developing the flu, adults and children need to practice good hygiene measures. Teach the importance to children of covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and educate children about hand to mucous membrane transmission. One of the best ways to protect adults and children is through frequent and thorough hand washing. People who are exhibiting “flu-like” symptoms should stay home from work, out of childcare and school to minimize transmission.