The St. Charles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with several area organizations to provide free flu shots for those ages 6 months and older during a vaccination clinic 2-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, in the College Center at St. Charles Community College, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.
Two types of vaccinations will be offered:
- Quadrivalent influenza vaccination – Protects against the four most prevalent flu viruses expected this season: H1N1, H3N2 and two influenza B viruses. It is appropriate for individuals ages 6 months and older.
- High-dose influenza vaccination – For those ages 65 and older. It contains four times the amount of antigen than the traditional vaccine to boost the body’s ability to create antibodies against the illness.
Appointments are necessary for this flu clinic and can be scheduled online or by calling 636-928-WELL (9355). In accordance with Community College policy, individuals within all indoor public spaces on campus must wear a mask or other face covering, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
“An annual flu vaccination offers the best opportunity to strengthen the immune system against influenza,” says Sara Evers, Acting Director of DPH. “Those who get a flu vaccination are much less likely to get the flu and miss school or work, or, if they do become infected, they are more likely to experience minimal symptoms and avoid dangerous complications severe flu illness may cause.”
Since it takes approximately two weeks for vaccine antibodies to develop after the vaccination, the DPH recommends getting a flu shot now before the traditional flu season begins. Flu season typically runs from November through spring in our region.
Community partners assisting the DPH with this vaccination event are BJC Health Care (Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital), SSM Health (St. Joseph hospitals in St. Charles, Lake Saint Louis, and Wentzville), St. Charles Community College, St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), and the St. Charles County Ambulance District. Individuals or groups interested in assisting with the event operations as a volunteer or as a sponsor should contact DPH Emergency Planner Nick Kohlberg at 636-949-7554 before Sept. 24.
For those unable to participate in this free event, the DPH Immunization Clinic will administer flu vaccinations at a cost and by appointment throughout the season. Costs are $36 for the quadrivalent vaccine and $62 for the high-dose vaccine. The clinic is located on the lower level of the DPH office at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles. To schedule an appointment, call 636-949-1857.
More information and tips on preventing the flu.