Flu shots available at Health Department
Nov. 10—DANVILLE — Flu shots are now available on a walk-in basis at the Vermilion County Health Department, and the department can bill most insurance providers to help with the cost.
The flu shots are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays at the Health Department at 200 S. College St. in Danville.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for the 2022-2023 flu season that everyone six months and older receive their annual flu shot. According to the CDC, immunity from the flu shot takes about two weeks to build and lasts up to 12 months. Because immunity does wane over time, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot annually.
The cost for adult flu shots, for those 19 years of age and older, at the clinic will be $40. The department will bill Medicare, Medicaid, State Employees' employers and most private insurance plans for adult flu shots. Individuals should be prepared to present proof of these types of coverage at the time of vaccination.
Cash and checks are acceptable payment options. The Health Department can accept credit card and debit card payments for vaccinations, but the department charges users a small service fee for the convenience.
For more information, call (217) 431-2662, ext. 249.
"There are some indications that the upcoming flu season could be worse than usual," said Susan Fauver, the Health Department's Director of Community Health. "We held a number of successful flu vaccination clinics in October, but we want to continue to offer flu shots to those who want them."
The Vermilion County Health Department encouraged everyone to take preventative measures to decrease the spread of germs this flu season.
—Wash your hands with soap and hot water, and keep hand sanitizers nearby as a backup.
—Stay home if you are sick.
—Maintain your personal space (three to six feet) away from other people.
—Cough/sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and properly dispose of it immediately, then wash your hands.
—Keep your hands away from your face — especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
—Frequently sanitize hard surfaces, like countertops and door knobs.
—Teach your children to wash their hands properly.
In addition, the there will be a Moderna COVID-booster clinic from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Health Department.
The clinic is free, and is intended to provide bivalent Omicron booster shots to those ages 18 or older.
Interested participants must make an appointment by calling (217) 431-2662, ext. 249.
The department will determine eligibility to be approved for an appointment, based partially on which type of vaccine the participant previously received, and how long ago it was given. Moderna boosters are recommended for those ages 18 and older.
On the day of the clinic, please arrive no more than 5-10 minutes before your appointment.
Please wear short sleeves. This will make it easier and quicker for people to get through the vaccine station.
Please bring your vaccine card back with you. If you have lost your vaccination card, please call the provider that issued you the vaccine card to replace it.
If you are pregnant, you must have a doctor's note saying you can receive a COVID vaccination at the VCHD clinic. You no longer need a doctor's note to receive a COVID vaccination if you are breastfeeding.
You will be asked to remain in an observation area for 15-30 minutes after receiving your vaccination.
