COLUMBIA, MO. --
Boone County Health Officials held their first flu shot clinic of the year on Monday.
Area doctors are predicting a bad year for the seasonal virus.
Boone County Health Officials have not confirmed any cases, but some doctors expect the flu to come in high doses this season. Boone County Health Officials gave flu shots at a cost of $25 a piece during a clinic at their Worley Street headquarters. The shots are free for children 18 and younger and for people on Medicare or Medicaid.
Flu shot recipient Warren Zahler said, “I just get it regularly as a preventative measure. I think it’s something that is important to do so that you don’t have problems with the flu.”
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control are recommending flu vaccines for everyone 6 months old or older. The H1N1 virus or the Swine Flu is still hanging around.
Last year’s H1N1 shot protected you against only one virus. This year, the Boone County Health Department is giving you triple protection. This year’s flu shot protects you against 3 flu strains.
Boone County Health Department Spokesperson Geni Alexander said, “The H1N1 virus that circulated last year is a part of this year’s vaccine. If you were vaccinated last year, you will still need an annual vaccination this year because this year’s vaccine also protects against 2 other strains of the flu that experts predict will circulate.”
Boone County Health Officials hope to get enough vaccine to eventually allow people to walk-in and get a flu shot. Health department nurses will offer flu shots at elementary schools throughout Boone County next month.
Another Boone County flu clinic takes place tomorrow at the Health Department Headquarters on Worley Street between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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