Hospital to offer flu clinics

Winneshiek Medical Center has announced dates for four flu shot clinics.

Anyone age nine or older may receive the influenza vaccine at the Walk-In Community Flu Clinic, located inside the Main Entrance on the north side of the medical center.  Only the injection form of the vaccine will be given at these clinics.  The vaccination cost at the Community Flu Clinics is $25 and is payable at the time of service.  WMC will accept cash, check or Medicare cards at the Community Flu Clinic.  No private insurance cards will be accepted to cover the cost.  No appointments are needed.  

Community Flu Clinics will be held from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11th; from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18th; and from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19th.

Winneshiek Medical Center also offers the influenza vaccine at any time with a clinic appointment.  Both injection and mist forms of the vaccine are available through an appointment with your health care provider.  Private insurance cards will be submitted for this service at the patient's request.  Call (563) 382-2911 to schedule an appointment.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone EXCEPT infants less than 6 months old; people who are allergic to eggs, egg products, or to any component of the vaccine; anyone with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome; and anyone who is sick or has a fever – the vaccination should be rescheduled.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications and about 36,000 deaths.