The Whiteside County Health Department (WCHD) is pleased to announce that beginning today, Tuesday, September 20th, High Dose Quadrivalent Influenza (Flu) vaccine will be available for individuals age 65 and older.
Individuals 65 years of age and older are at increased risk for developing serious complications from flu when compared with younger, healthy adults. During most flu seasons, this group of individuals account for the majority of flu related hospitalizations and deaths with approximately 70%-85% of flu related deaths and 50%-70% of flu related hospitalizations occurring among this age group.
This is partly because the human immune defenses become weaker with increasing age. High dose influenza vaccines are specially designed to help boost immune response and provide additional protection for this age group.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can be administered at the same time and you do not need to wait if you have already received one to get the other. The sooner you receive your vaccine or booster the sooner you will be protected. Individuals interested in COVID-19 vaccine or booster can schedule an appointment by visiting Vaccines.gov.
Individuals aged 65 who are interested in receiving a high dose flu vaccine this season may walk in between 8:30am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday at the Whiteside County Health Department in Rock Falls. We would like to remind everyone that wait times may be slightly longer than during previous seasons as many individuals are also seeking updated COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Doses at this time.
We will provide an update when flu vaccine is available for individuals younger than 65.
More information on Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Flu vaccine can be found at
CDC: Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine.
The post High Dose Influenza Vaccine Available appeared first on Regional Media News.
