1st Flu Related Death Reported In Marion County

Taylor Bennett

A healthcare professional puts a band aid over the site of an injection after providing a flu vaccine to a patient.
*Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera/United States Marine Corps*

The Marion County Public Health Department has reported the first flu-related death of the season. Health officials encourage anyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu shot.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including people age 65 and older and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

Influenza is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue.

Flu shots are available through the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices. The cost is $20 for ages 2 and older. Flu shots are free for children under the age of 2.

The health department is also hosting special walk-in flu shot clinics around the county this month.

The last of these special clinics are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at the following locations:

Cathedral Kitchen, 1350 N. Pennsylvania St., 9-11 a.m.
Englewood Christian Church, 57 N. Rural St., 4-6 p.m.

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