Marion Public Health (MPH) has been holding flu immunization clinics throughout the community and a few dates still remain. These clinics are open to the public and provide the opportunity to get your flu shot before the annual season gets into full swing.
In addition to the special clinics, Walk-in Clinic times are also available at the Health Department on Mondays 1:00-3:00pm and on Fridays 9:00-11:00am.
Children, 6 months up to 3 years, should come to the walk-in clinics at Marion Public Health or schedule an appointment at the Tuesday and Wednesday Infant, Childhood and Family Immunization Clinic. Vaccine for this age group will not be available at the public flu clinics.
The following is the remaining schedule for the 2013 public flu shot clinics in the Marion area.
- Monday, September 30, 3:00p – 5:00p
Prospect Public Library
116 N Main St, Prospect, OH - Friday, October 4, 9:00a – 11:00a
Primrose Community
1550 Wellness Dr., Marion, OH - Monday, October 7, 3:00p – 5:00p
Henkle-Holliday Memorial Library
86 S High St, LaRue, OH - Thursday, October 10, 3:00p – 5:00p
Ridgedale Elementary (Cafeteria)
3105 Hillman-Ford Rd., Morral, OH
Cost:
- $35 for adults (19 yrs and older)
- $25 for children (6 mos – 18 yrs)……Flu Mist is also available for 2 yrs – 18 yrs
- $53 for High Dose (65 yrs and older)
MPH accepts most major insurance carriers, all Medicaid plans, Medicare Part B, RR Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans. You are asked to bring all insurance cards. If MPH is not contracted with your insurance or are out-of-network, there will be a $5.00 time-of-service discount for clients 19 years and older. MPH accepts cash or check.
MPH offers the following information regarding the flu.
What is the flu?
Flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses. Flu viruses cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States each year. There are many different flu viruses and sometimes a new flu virus emerges to make people sick.
How does the flu spread?
Flu is spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the influenza. People also may get sick by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?
People infected with seasonal flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially those with a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may vomit and have diarrhea.
When are symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition that puts you at high risk for serious complications from the flu virus or you have been identified as high risk for influenza, we encourage you to talk to your doctor early. If you are otherwise a healthy individual make sure you get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids. Even people who have always been healthy or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu.
Call or go to the doctor right away if you or someone in your family experiences: Fast breathing or trouble breathing or shortness of breath, bluish or grayish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, , severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, for children-being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion.
What are the steps you can take to help keep yourself and your family from getting sick?
- Get your seasonal flu shot.
- Get plenty of sleep and exercise.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids.
- Wash your hands often and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If tissue isn’t available sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Consult with your primary care provider if you experience persistent flu-like symptoms with fever.
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