| Flu
shots to be scheduled
St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics will be scheduling flu shots some time in early November, according to Shari Kuther, RN. “We should be receiving our allotment of flu vaccine in the very near future,” said Kuther. “We’re already receiving calls from patients. Ideally, a person should be vaccinated in late October/early November so they will be protected to the end of flu season. We will publicize our flu clinics as soon as we receive the vaccine.” No big shortages are predicted for this year, but those scheduled to receive the shots first will be people in the high risk categories including those over the age of 65; residents of long term care facilities; those with compromised immune systems; children and adults with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma; patients with chronic metabolic diseases, including diabetes; those with kidney disease; women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season and health care workers;. Flu shots will also be available from the health department and in a variety of other local locations. SMHC can bill Medicare and Medicaid. “Patients should bring their Medicare or Medicaid card when they come in to receive their flu shot,” said Kuther. “We cannot bill private insurances so those who don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid should bring $25 for a flu shot and $40 if they would like a pneumonia vaccination.” |
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