This year it is more important than ever to get a flu shot. Each season, millions of Americans are sickened with flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die. This season we are also battling COVID-19, another virus that can cause severe respiratory illness. While a vaccine for COVID-19 is still under development, there is a vaccine for flu that has been proven to be safe and effective over the past 50 years. Getting a flu vaccine can help you avoid co-infection with COVID-19 and flu.
Public health officials recommend everyone six months of age and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is available in either a flu shot, or in a nasal spray. Talk with a health care provider about what type is most appropriate for you. More information on the types of flu vaccine can be found on the CDC website.
In addition to getting your flu vaccine, IDPH recommends following the 3 W’s for both COVID-19 and influenza.
– Wash your hands
– Watch your distance
– Wear your mask
Many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are the same, such as fever and cough, but there are some differences. If you have symptoms of either flu or COVID-19, self-isolate and contact a health care provider. They can talk with you about testing and other measures you should be taking.
Will County Health Department Immunization Clinic – 501 Ella Ave, Joliet
The Immunizations Clinic has quadrivalent flu vaccine for persons six months old and older. Egg-free vaccine is also available. The high-dose vaccine (for those 65 and older only) is expected soon. Flu shots are given by appointment- Immunization Clinic appointments are available Monday -Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Please call the Immunization Appointment Desk at 815-740-8143 to schedule your flu shot. No doctor visit is necessary at the WCHD Immunization Clinic. There is no charge for flu shots for children and adults with Medicaid and /or Medicare. Children and adults who have no insurance or their insurance does not cover the Flu shot will receive their Flu shot for $23.75. The Immunization Clinic accepts only limited private insurance, so those with private insurance are encouraged to obtain their flu shots from their physician or at the Walk-In Flu Clinics provided by Walgreens at the Will County Community Health Center.
Will County Community Health Center – 1106 Neal Ave, Joliet
Walk-in flu vaccine clinics at the Community Health Center are scheduled for 10 AM to 2 PM on Monday October 5th, and 8 AM to 12 Noon on Monday, November 2nd. These walk-in clinics are administered by Walgreens, and are available for adults of all ages, and children 10 years of age and older with private health insurance or who are uninsured. IMPORTANT NOTE: THE Will County Community Health Center offers vaccinations to adults and children every day, and not just on the 3 flu clinic days scheduled with Walgreens. For more information, please call 815-727-8670.
Your best protection against flu is the flu vaccine. Please get yours today and avoid co-infection with COVID-19.
EXTRA INFORMATION FOR STATE OF ILLINOIS EMPLOYEES
State of Illinois Employees – Free Flu Shots will be provided By Appointment at:
Joliet Immunization Clinic: Will County Health Department,
501 Ella Ave Joliet, IL 60433
Monee Immunization Clinic: Will County Health Department
5601 Monee-Manhattan Rd Monee, IL 60449
Bolingbrook Immunization Clinic: Will County Health Department
323 Quadrangle Drive Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Call for an appointment 815-740-8143
State Employees should bring their State Insurance card and their work ID
Retired State Employees should bring their Medicare card and State Insurance card