The Koochiching County Health Department is offering for the first time ever high-dose flu shots for those age 65 and older.
The new vaccine is designed to give the elderly better protection against the flu. It has four times the amount of flu antigen than a regular seasonal flu shot.
“Sometimes their immune systems don’t boost like a younger person’s,” said Nancy Lee, public health nurse for the Koochiching County Health Department. “Hopefully that will give a better boost or a better immune response to people getting that vaccine.”
Lee said the shot was created three years ago, but the county decided to get it this year after data was released showing that it’s as effective as other flu shots.
Seasonal flu shots will be offered to those six months old or older. Like past years, the shot includes an H1N1 vaccine, influenza A, and influenza B components. The option to take the vaccine in a nasal form will be offered to those ages 2 to 49 as long as they have no chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma.
The health department will hold a walk-in flu clinic every Friday in October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $25 and people will be given a receipt to submit to their health insurance company. Those with Medicare can bring in their insurance card to have the department directly bill their insurance.
The department’s nurses will also travel around the county for other flu clinics in Birchdale, Loman, Littlefork, Big Falls, Northome and Indus. They will also visit the Falls’ senior apartments and senior center.
Lee said those who get the flu shots are in one of two categories: those who get it every year, and those who only get it if the flu happens in high prevalence.
“We have the vaccine earlier this year which is good — I just don’t think it’s on people’s minds yet,” Lee said. “Whenever you can, go ahead and get it — it takes a couple of weeks to build up in your system, but it lasts for the entire flu season.”
Lee advises people to be preventative and get the flu shot before the flu season is in full swing.
“The challenge is to get it before you get exposed, so get it as soon as you can,” she said. “My professional advice is: get the vaccine — don’t wait to see what the flu season will bring because then it could be too late.”
2012 Flu Clinic locations
• Koochiching County Health Department every Friday in October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Greater Koochiching County: Birchdale, Loman, Littlefork, Big Falls, Northome, Indus
• Senior apartments in International Falls: West Falls Estates, Woodland, Hampton Courts, River’s Edge Villa
• Koochiching County Senior Center
• Lion’s Health Fair at the AmericInn
