Sheldon, Iowa — Flu season is on the way. And the Centers for Disease Control say that an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu as well as flu-related complications that could lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death.
Influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people every flu season. Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, among families and communities. The severity of flu illness can vary from mild to severe. When severe, flu complications can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. The CDC estimates that from the 1976-1977 season to the 2006-2007 flu season, flu-associated deaths ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. And each year it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related complications.
Dr. Amy Badberg with Sanford Sheldon says that they recommend that everyone get a flu shot.
She tells us where you can get a flu shot.
She says the pharmacies also have flu vaccine available, and Dr. Badberg says it doesn’t really matter where you get your flu shot, as long as you get one.
Health experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Dr. Badberg says there is a very small number of people for whom they do not recommend getting the flu vaccine.
The CDC says that over the years, the number of people recommended for flu vaccination has grown steadily as experts have learned more about who is at high risk for flu complications or who bears the greatest burden of illness and is likely to spread flu in the community.
Flu Vaccination Clinics Offered Through Sanford Sheldon
Sheldon
Mondays 5-6:30 p.m.
(by appointment only no Medicaid or Iowa Wellness)
October 12th
October 19th
October 26th
Wednesdays
(by appointment only no Medicaid or Iowa Wellness)
October 7th 8-Noon
October 14th 8-Noon
October 21st 1-5 p.m
October 28th 1-5 p.m
November 4th 8-Noon
November 11th 1-5
November 18th 1-5
Mondays in November 1-5 p.m
(by appointment only no Medicaid or Iowa Wellness)
November 2nd
November 9th
November 16th
November 23rd
November 30th
Iowa Wellness/Medicaid
Sanford Sheldon has set aside the following dates for all Iowa Wellness/Medicaid patients:
October 14th
October 20th
October 29th
November 4th
November 10th
Sanborn
(by appointment only no Medicaid or Iowa Wellness)
October 12th 3-5 p.m.
October 19th 8-10 a.m
October 30th 3-5 p.m
Hartley
October 6th 3-5 p.m
October 14th 5:30-7:30p.m.
All Medicaid/Iowa Wellness insurance clients will need to make an appointment with a provider. Please call (712) 324-5356 to schedule. For patients with Medicare and private insurances, bring your identification card.
For questions regarding a Sanford Sheldon flu shot, please call (712) 324-5356.
