Marion County Health Department To Offer Flu Shot Clinics

(INDIANAPOLIS) – The Marion County Public Health Department will offer low-cost seasonal flu shots at six special flu vaccine clinics during the month of October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age and older.

Health officials say the flu vaccine is especially important for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia, including:

• People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease
• Pregnant women
• People 65 year and older

"A seasonal flu shot not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but helps protect family, friends and others from influenza," said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Everyone should get a flu shot to help keep our community healthy this flu season."

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, chills and muscle aches. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and at times be life-threatening resulting in hospitalization.

Flu shot clinics offered by the Marion County Public Health Department are scheduled at the following locations:

• Thursday, Oct. 2 - Jewish Community Center, 6701 Hoover Rd., 3-6 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 - Southport United Methodist Church, 1947 E. Southport Rd., 9 a.m.-Noon

• Thursday, Oct. 9 - Cathedral Soup Kitchen, 1350 N. Pennsylvania St., 9-11 a.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 14 - Old Bethel United Methodist Church, 7995 E. 21st St., 9-11 a.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 21 - Chin Community Center, 2524 E. Stop 11 Rd., 9 a.m.-Noon

• Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Southport Presbyterian Church, 7525 McFarland Blvd., 9 a.m.-Noon

Influenza vaccines are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 2-18 and free for children under 2 years old. Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines are $40 and tetanus (Td or Tdap) are $20. Medicare and Medicaid will be accepted.

Flu shots are also available at the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices. Certain formulations of the flu vaccine are currently limited or unavailable. To find out locations and hours, visit MCHD.com or call the Flu Hotline at (317) 221-2121.