Manchester Schools to Vaccinate Students Against Flu – You Can Get the Flu Shot too!
It may seem early to be thinking about flu season, but the Manchester Public School is looking ahead and this week they will be partnering with an organization called “Health Heroes” to vaccinate as much of the student population as possible at no cost to families or the schools. The clinics will be held at the elementary school, middle school and high school on Thursday, Sept 17. Receiving the vaccine is optional and requires parent consent. Both the pain-free nasal-spray vaccine and the injection are available options.
According to the Washtenaw Public Health Department, in the last year there were 116 hospitalizations for flu in Washtenaw County and 4 deaths due to flu. And while no flu was reported during summer months, flu season is expected start at the end of September and according to the CDC, peak between January and March. Although only students attending Manchester Public Schools can participate in the vaccination clinics on Thursday, Manchester residents have other options.
The Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council is sponsoring a flu shot clinic on Monday, October 6, from 9am – noon at Emanuel Church. This clinic is for teenagers and adults and will cost $30 without insurance.
The Manchester Pharmacy will have flu shots available beginning today. Pharmacist Jay Demski is trained and certified to handle immunizations and provides them by appointment or walk-in any day but Thursdays. Look for a sign out front stating that walk-in flu shots are available. Demski stated that although the flu shot contains the same strains as last year, the immunity you received from last year’s flu shot has worn off and you need to get the flu shot again this year in order to be protected. Flu shots are $29.99 out of pocket but they do bill Medicare and most major insurances. Call 428-8393 to make an appointment.
Manchester Family Practices has flu shots available now for their patients as well. Dr. Evelyn Eccles states that the office offers flu shots to 6 month olds through the elderly — but especially recommends that those at high risk and the families of those at high risk get the flu shot. Those in the high risk category include the elderly, those with respiratory illnesses, diabetics, and pregnant women. She also wants readers to know that the flu shot vaccinates against influenza A & B (including H1N1) but does not vaccinate against “stomach flu”, which is a common misconception. Patients can call 428-8381 to schedule an appointment.
This is the first time in recent years the school has attempted a mass vaccination of the student body. Superintendent Vannatter stated that the Washtenaw County Health Department Medical Director approached her and the county’s other superintendents about partnering with Health Heroes to vaccinate the student body against the flu this year. Health Heroes specializes in on-site vaccination clinics, employs state licensed nurses, and has been approved by both the Washtenaw Public Health Department and the State of Michigan Health Department. If you have questions about Health Heroes, visit their website HERE or call 888-621-5520.
Health Heroes is able to provide this service because they have partnered with Alana’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about the severity of influenza and the importance of vaccinating children against the flu every year. Alana’s Foundation was formed in the memory of 5 & 1/2-year old Alana who died from the flu in 2003. For more information about the foundation or Alana’s story visit their website HERE.
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