Flu Vaccine More Important During COVID

Greene County Public Health and the Greene County Family Medicine Clinic are now offering flu shots. Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year – it can help protect yourself and the people around you from the flu, and it can also help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For those who are at high risk for getting the flu, many of them are also at high risk for serious outcomes from a COVID-19 infection,” said Becky Wolf, Greene County Public Health director.  “The flu vaccine has the added benefit of reducing the overall burden on the health care system and saving medical resources for the care of COVID-19 patients.”

Greene County Public Health is taking flu shot appointments Mondays and Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. – noon. Call 515-386-3228 to schedule an appointment.

The Greene County Family Medicine Clinic is also offering flu shots, available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 515-386-0500.

Community flu clinic dates and locations are currently being planned, as well as opportunities for drive-thru clinics. Especially now, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all clinics are being organized with the public’s health and safety as a top priority.

“By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of getting sick with the flu, possibly being hospitalized, or even dying,” said Wolf.  “Everyone, ages 6 months and older, should get a flu shot this year.”

A limited supply of high dose flu shots are available for 65 years and older, call for availability.