Plenty of flu shot options available locally

It's flu season again and time for the flu vaccine for those who choose to receive one. The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center offers the shot every year. This year it will hold five clinics in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Delta.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the flu kills about 24,000 Americans annually, and the elderly are among the most susceptible. The health center wants to do its part to curb that and has a plan in place to make receiving the shot as convenient as possible. You can't get more convenient than drive-through clinics -- and that's one service the center is offering.

"These drive-through clinics are popular, especially with the elderly," center director Jane Wernsman told the Southeast Missourian, adding, "It really does make it easier for these folks." They don't have to leave their cars. Staff will administer the shot in their vehicles.

Medicaid and Medicare recipients receive shots at no cost, while everyone else will be charged $20. "It is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent being really sick," Wernsman said.

Where and when:

• Osage Center in Cape Girardeau, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday
• 1121 Linden Street in Cape Girardeau, walk-ins welcome from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Oct. 11
• Delta Community Center in Delta, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 13
• American Legion Hall in Jackson, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 17

What about the drive-through clinics?

• Cape Girardeau fire station 2 on Mount Auburn Road, 1 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20
• Jackson fire station, 1 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 27

For those who opt to receive the flu vaccine, many opportunities are available, including local pharmacies.

For more information, call the health center at (573) 335-7846.