The Jefferson County Health Department plans to hold two flu vaccination clinics this month for people 19 and older, providing them with free flu shots.
The first clinic will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 17) at the Mapaville Fire House, 3687 Plass Road, west of Festus, and the second one will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday (Nov. 30) at Rock Township Ambulance House 4, 6707 St. Luke’s Church Road, in Barnhart.
Both clinics will offer drive-thru and curbside service, and no advance registration is required. However, each clinic is limited to 100 people.
The Health Department said it already provided 1,213 vaccines to students and school staff during clinics at six school districts, including Festus R-6, Hillsboro R-3, Jefferson R-7, Grandview, De Soto and Northwest R-1.
In addition, the Health Department said it provided 269 flu shots to those 19 and older on Nov. 3, which was Election Day, at two clinics – one held at the Arnold Recreation Center and the other at Health Department’s High Ridge office. Those who received a flu shot at the Election Day clinics also received a personal protective equipment kit that included 50 surgical masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer.
“With the rising concern with COVID-19 and flu season, it is more important than ever to get the flu vaccine,” Health Department Nursing Supervisor Sarah Warncke said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with schools and other community organizations to provide the vaccine to our community. It is a great example of the impact public health can have.”
Health Department communications specialist Brianne Zwiener said free flu shots are available for those younger than 19 by appointment at the Health Department.
Flu stats
As of Nov. 7, a total of 77 laboratory positive flu cases had been reported in Jefferson County so far this flu season, which started Sept. 27, according to a Health Department.
Of those cases, 31 had been influenza A and 46 influenza B.
During the same time last year, 59 laboratory positive flu cases had been reported in Jefferson County.
The 2019-2020 flu season was the second highest flu season on record in Jefferson County, with a total of 2,932 cases, four flu-related deaths and one outbreak in a long-term care facility.
The county’s worst flu season on record was the 2017-2018 season, with 3,982 cases and 16 deaths, according to Health Department reports.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, one flu-related death had been reported in the state as of Nov. 7. Also, 251 laboratory-positive influenza cases had been reported in Missouri.