DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Health Department has set up multiple clinics in October so that people can be vaccinated early against seasonal flu.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that flu vaccinations begin as soon as vaccine is available. The Vermilion County Health Department’s flu vaccine has arrived and flu clinics are scheduled.
The Vermilion County Health Department will offer adult seasonal flu shots at 200 South College Street as shown below:
October 6 (Thurs) 1:00 – 4:00
October 11 (Tues) 1:00 – 4:00
October 13 (Thurs) 9:00 – 12:00
October 15 (Sat) 8:00 – 11:00
October 18 (Tues) 3:00 – 6:00
October 20 (Thurs) 9:00 – 12:00
October 27 (Thurs) 9:00 – 12:00
All clinics will be located at the Health Department, and all will be drive-through clinics.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for the 2022-2023 flu season that everyone 6 months and older receive their annual flu shot. According to the CDC, immunity from the flu shot takes about two weeks to build and lasts up to 12 months. Because immunity does wane over time, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot annually.
The cost for adult flu shots, for those 19 years of age and older, at the Vermilion County Health Department will be $40.00. The Health Department will bill Medicare, Medicaid, State Employees’ employers and most private insurance plans for adult flu shots. Individuals should be prepared to present proof of these types of coverage at the time of vaccination.
Children from ages 6 months through 18 years old may schedule a flu shot through our Immunization Department by calling 431-2662 ext. 249. The child’s parent or guardian must accompany the child for the vaccination. The cost for vaccinations for children under the age of 19 may vary in price, depending on insurance coverage.
Cash and checks are acceptable payment options. The Health Department can accept credit card and debit card payments for vaccinations, but the department charges users a small service fee for the convenience.
The Health Department will continue its program of working with businesses and organizations that want to provide flu vaccinations as a wellness benefit for their employees and members. Businesses and organizations can contact the Health Department to make billing arrangements and to schedule those vaccinations.
“We are ready to help Vermilion County residents prepare for the upcoming flu season,” said Director of Community Health Services Susan Fauver. “We are using a quadrivalent vaccine to provide protection against four strains of flu.”
The Vermilion County Health Department encourages everyone to take preventative measures to decrease the spread of germs this flu season. “We encourage everyone to protect themselves and their family by getting their annual flu shot this year and to practice the following steps to preventing flu illness,” said Fauver.
• Wash your hands with soap and hot water, and keep hand sanitizers nearby as a backup.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Maintain your personal space (three to six feet) away from other people.
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and properly dispose of it immediately, then wash your hands.
• Keep your hands away from your face — especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Frequently sanitize hard surfaces, like countertops and door knobs.
• Teach your children to wash their hands properly.
In addition to flu shots, the Health Department also offers pneumonia shots, shingles shots and other vaccines by appointment. Bivalent COVID booster-shot clinics will be held later this year.
For more information, call the Health Department at 431-2662, ext. 249, or visit their website at www.vchd.org.
