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Covering Monmouth, Dallas, Independence and Falls City since 1868 |
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| Lots of vaccine available for Polk County flu shots |
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| POLK COUNTY -- The number of flu shots given by Polk County Public Health this fall has decreased significantly since last year, but officials believe it's because the vaccine is widely available.
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By Jillian Beaudry
POLK COUNTY -- The number of flu shots given by Polk County Public Health this fall has decreased significantly since last year, but officials believe it's because the vaccine is widely available.
Andy Walker, public health manager for Polk County, said his department has not given as many flu shots to the public and the numbers are similar in other counties.
The department immunized 700 people last year, compared to about 350 so far this year, Polk County Immunization Coordinator Judy Johnson said.
"We're anxious to get rid of the vaccine," Johnson said.
Public Health is only billing Regence Blue Cross and Oregon Health Plan insurance this year. Johnson said because of this and the fact that the vaccine is accessible in many places are the reasons for the decrease.
"It's not that there aren't as many flu shots being given, it's just more people are giving them," Walker said.
Walker said he believes the total number of people being vaccinated is strong despite his office's low numbers.
In Polk County, there seems to not yet be a flu epidemic, which often occurs in February, Walker said. People often do not get vaccinated until the flu becomes more prevalent.
"When it doesn't seem like the flu is going around, people don't get a shot," Walker said. "We still encourage people to get a flu shot. It's best to get one before the flu is active in this community."
Walker said it is still too early to tell what kind of flu season this will be in Polk County.
Johnson said parents need to be aware that it is now recommended that children through the age of 18 receive a flu shot. Shots are available on a walk-in basis for $25 at Polk County Public Health in the Academy Building in downtown Dallas every weekday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
No one will be denied a flu shot if he or she is unable to pay.
For more information: 503-623-8175.
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With more than 100 people obtaining flu shots at the last flu clinic, West Valley Hospital is adding another flu shot clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas.
The shots are $20 each.
Those receiving shots must be 18 years and older. No appointment is necessary. Medicare is accepted; however, West Valley Hospital is unable to bill Medicare HMOs for this flu clinic.
For insurance billing questions: 503-623-7345.
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