Knox County Health Department Offering Mobile Flu Vaccine Clinics Throughout the County

Influenza Season Has Arrived!

Submitted by Lori Moots-Clair, KCHD Administrator

Knox County Health Department – Edina, MO – Influenza vaccine has began to arrive at provider’s offices all over the area, and Knox County Health Department will make four forms of vaccine available to the public: (1) High dose vaccine for ages 65 and above (4x the strength of quadrivalent) (2) Flublok quadrivalent vaccine (3x the strength) which can be given to those over 18 with an egg allergy or to those 50-64 who want more protection (3) traditional Quadrivalent vaccine for those 4 years to 64 years and (4) traditional quadrivalent vaccine for those 6 months to 3 years. This year’s influenza vaccine will contain a combination of 2 A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and 2 B strains (Brisbane & Yomagata).

Individuals that have no insurance will have an option for traditional quadrivalent vaccination at a low out of pocket price, the agency will also accept Missouri Medicaid for children under 18. Those individuals that wish to use private insurance or Medicare, will receive vaccine placed in the agency through the Vaxcare company, Knox County Health Department gives the vaccine, but all billing and administration is handled by Vaxcare.

Knox County Health Department will be conducting on site flu clinics in every city in Knox County this year. If all vaccine arrives as anticipated, they will head out in the “flu van” on October 4th and will be in Novelty, MO from noon to 130pm, parked in front of the community center. They will then be at the Knox City Water District from 5-6pm that night and in front of the Newark town hall from 630-730pm. The following week on October 10 the “flu van” will be across from the Baring IDK Café from noon to 130pm, will return to Edina and hold an after-hour clinic at the health department from 4-6pm and will then head to Hurdland from 630-730pm where they will be parked across from the Hurdland Post Office. In addition to all of these on the road clinics, the agency will be reaching out to employers and the school district to hold onsite clinics.

As with last year, anyone that feels they are unable to leave their cars, should pull up at Knox County Health Department during clinic days Tuesdays from 8-4p and Thursdays from 8-noon, and we will come out to the car to do intake and deliver vaccine. Simply call the health department at 660.397.3396 upon arrival or honk until we hear you!

As flu season begins, remember that hand washing is key; and that staying home when you are sick is imperative to stopping the spread of disease. Health officials expect influenza cases to peak in January and February; but surveillance is currently in place for all communicable diseases.

For any questions regarding your influenza vaccine, call the health department from 8am – 4pm Monday through Friday at (660) 397-3396.