Flu shots continue each Wednesday at VMH Community and Home Care
The flu has hit Iowa, but there is still time for immunization. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care continues to offer flu shots every Wednesday afternoon by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 563-568-5660.
COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may be administered at the same visit, on the same day. For example, COVID-19 vaccines can safely and effectively be administered the same time as the flu vaccines.
The cost for a flu shot is covered by Medicare. Billing for vaccinations will be completed by the Community and Home Care staff, but participants will need to bring their physician’s name and their Medicare number or private insurance card with them. Those who do not have insurance that covers these vaccines can also pay for them; however, the COVID-19 vaccine is free.
Influenza, also called “the flu”, can cause fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat and muscle aches to people of any age, and can lead to pneumonia and even death. Most deaths caused by influenza occur in the elderly, the very young or people who have a compromised immune system.
The Center for Disease Control now recommends that everyone age six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu every year.
Flu shots are highly recommended for the following people:
• Anyone age 50 and over.
• Residents of long-term care facilities with chronic medical conditions.
• Any child or adult, including pregnant women, who has a serious long-term health problem with heart disease, anemia, asthma, lung disease, kidney disease or diabetes, and in the past year had to see a doctor regularly or be admitted to a hospital.
• Women who will be more than three months pregnant during influenza season.
• People six months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (these people could develop Reye Syndrome if they catch influenza).
• People who are less able to fight infections because of a disease he/she was born with or contracted (like HIV), are receiving treatments with drugs such as steroids or are having cancer treatments with x-rays or drugs.
• Anyone having close contact with people who are at high risk for contracting a serious case of influenza including health care workers and people living with high risk persons.
• Influenza vaccines are also recommended for people in schools and colleges, people who provide important community services, people going to the tropics any time of the year and just anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching influenza.
Medicare does cover these costs. Billing for Medicare will be completed by the Community and Home Care staff, but participants will need to bring their physician’s name and their Medicare number with them.
Remember, there is still time for immunization. Check with a local family practice physician if having any questions about eligibility for the influenza vaccination. For more information, call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Department at 563-568-5660.
