Horn Community Health Offers Flu Clinics

Now is the time to prepare for the flu season. Horn Memorial Community Health will be offering flu shot clinics. Please call our office at 712-364-7311 to reserve your time to receive the flu vaccine.  We will not be taking walk-ins this year, so please call ahead and schedule your time.  This will help eliminate a crowd of people at the same time.  We also require you to wear a mask when you come to receive your flu vaccine.  The following are the locations and time frames we will be offering the flu vaccine.

• Thursday, October 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ida Grove Fire Station
• Thursday, October 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Fire Station
• Friday, October 16^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Wednesday, October 21^st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Thursday, October 22^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Holstein Fire Station

A Medicare card or Medicare Advantage Plan card is required.   There will be a charge for private pay.  If you are home-bound and would like to receive the flu shot, please call Horn Memorial Community Health at 364-7311.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The flu is different from a cold.  Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.  The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and though more common in children than adults, vomiting and diarrhea. 

People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.  To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.  While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness.  Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.