Story Medical Clinics in Nevada and Maxwell will begin offering the seasonal flu shot on October 2 by appointment. You are encouraged – especially if you fall into a high-risk category – to get your shot as soon as possible.
“Flu season typically peaks between December and February, but significant activity can occur earlier than that,” says Dr. Arthur Check, Story Medical Clinic, Nevada. “We are especially encouraging those in high risk categories, including older adults, young children and those with chronic conditions to get vaccinated now.”
For millions of people every season, the flu can mean a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed. However, you may not realize that each flu season, flu also causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths.
But there is a vaccine that can prevent flu. While how well the vaccine works can vary, the benefits from vaccination are well documented. Studies show that flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
This is why CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Those falling in high-risk categories include young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with certain medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
“Those who care for anyone at high risk, including babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine should also make it a priority to get the vaccine,” Dr. Check says. “Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu.”
In addition to the flu shot, Story Medical Clinics will offer the RSV vaccine to adults 60 years and older. Those with Medicare part D will need to get this vaccine from their pharmacy.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Nevada Clinic at 515-382-5413 or the Maxwell Clinic at 515-387-8815.
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About Story Medical
For 60 years, Story County Medical Center, Story Medical Clinics and Story Medical Senior Care have been the trusted providers of high-quality, local healthcare services for the residents of Story County. Their modern South Campus creates a healing environment that matches the personalized care and clinical expertise of its medical staff. Visit www.StoryMedical.org for more information.