Seasonal influenza vaccine clinics set in Plymouth County

Floyd Valley Community Health Service will again be providing flu vaccine throughout Plymouth County.

This year's seasonal vaccine covers three strains of influenza, A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like, A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like.

This vaccine does not cover the Influenza A - H1N1 Novel strain that has been in the news lately.

According to Deb Steffen, community health manager at Floyd Valley Hospital, the vaccine for the H1N1 Novel strain should be available in October. More details on that vaccine will follow later.

The seasonal influenza vaccine can be given to anyone 6 months of age and older but is recommended for the following people:

*People at high risk for complications from influenza:

All children 6 months through 18 years of age

Pregnant women

People 50 years of age and older

People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities

* People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)

Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

Healthcare workers

There are also individuals who should not be vaccinated. They are:

* People with a severe allergy to chicken eggs

* People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.

* People who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously

* Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age

* People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting immunized.

Public immunization clinics will be held on:

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. - Floyd Valley Hospital's Conference Center

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4 to 7 p.m. - Floyd Valley Hospital's Conference Center

Thursday, Oct. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. - Le Mars Senior Center

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. - Floyd Valley Hospital's Conference Center

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1 to 4 p.m. - Bavarian Meadows in Remsen

Friday, Oct. 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Hinton Community Center

Monday, Oct. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (tentative) - Merrill Senior Center

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2 to 6 p.m. - Well Aware Community Health Fair at the Le Mars Convention Center

Monday, Oct. 19, 3 to 6 p.m. - Floyd Valley Hospital's Conference Center

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Akron Senior Center

Friday, Oct. 23, 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Kingston Apartment's Community Room in Kingsley

Cost for the influenza vaccine at these clinics is $25. Those eligible for Medicare, are asked to bring their Medicare card (Part B) or Medicare Advantage card with them.

For further information, contact Steffen at 712-546-3335.

Le Mars, Remsen clinics host open vaccination times

Seasonal influenza open vaccination clinics will be offered by Medical Associates of Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars and Remsen.

The clinics will be held as follows:

* Le Mars Clinic (194 Sixth Ave. N.E.)

Monday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

* Remsen Clinic (015 East Second St.)

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9 to 11 a.m.

Appointments at the Le Mars Clinic or Remsen Clinic are appreciated, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Those planning to receive their vaccine at the clinics should contact Medical Associates of Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars at (712) 546-8111, Remsen Clinic at (712) 786-1114 or their health care provider's team directly for an appointment.

If you have an insurance co-pay, that amount will be due at the time of the vaccination. All minors must either be accompanied by a parent (or guardian) or a consent form must be completed prior to the vaccination.