MURPHYSBORO – The Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) is now providing flu vaccinations by appointment.
Vaccination times are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday evenings until 5:30 p.m.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Getting a flu shot not only protects you during the upcoming flu season, but it also reduces the spread of flu to others. The annual flu season typically begins in October and can last as long as May. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. High dose flu vaccine is available for those age 65 and older. An egg-free vaccine is available to those with a known egg allergy.
There is no charge for flu vaccination for anyone with Medicare Part B, Medicaid, State employees, and State retirees upon presentation of their insurance card. JCHD also accepts most types of health insurance, so please bring your insurance card at the time of service. Vaccination fees can also be paid by cash, check, debit or credit card.
The new adult RSV vaccine, Arexvy, is a single dose for individuals over age 60 is now available at JCHD. Individuals must also have certain health conditions to be eligible for the RSV vaccine. These conditions include the following: lung disease (such as COPD or asthma); chronic cardiovascular disease (such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease); diabetes; neurologic conditions; kidney disorders; liver disorders; hematologic disorders; immune compromise; other underlying conditions that may increase the risk for severe respiratory disease, such as frailty, advanced age, residence in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. The vaccine is covered under Medicare Part D, those who have not signed up for the drug benefit may have to pay out-of-pocket. Clients with private insurance should call their insurance provider to check their coverage.
JCHD encourages clients to separate the flu vaccine and the RSV vaccine by two weeks. JCHD also expects updated COVID-19 vaccines to arrive by late September, with more details available closer to that time.
To make an appointment for a flu or RSV vaccination, please visit www.jchdonline.org or call 618-684-3143, ext. 150.
