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OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department offers influenza vaccination clinics to residents this fall. Beginning on Friday, Oct. 2, clinics will be held by appointment only from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday and Friday at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic located at 70 Bunner St. in Oswego.
“We don’t know exactly when flu season will begin or how severe it will be, which is why it’s so important to plan ahead,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Getting your flu vaccine early gives your body time to build up immunity before flu activity starts. Just taking that simple step now can help reduce your risk of getting sick and protect those around you from the potentially serious impact of influenza.”
While anyone can get the flu or experience serious problems with it at any age, some people are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications than others. Those high-risk individuals include children under the age of 5, seniors over the age of 65, and those who are pregnant or living with chronic medical conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting sick and prevent serious illness and death related to influenza.
The federal agency recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. Those aged 65 years or older should receive the high-dose vaccine, which contains four times the antigen for each virus compared with standard-dose vaccines. Seniors are asked to call ahead to check on the availability of the high-dose vaccine before coming in.
Other health practices that can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses include:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Covering your mouth while coughing and sneezing
- Sanitizing frequently touched surfaces
- Avoiding hand-to-eye and hand-to-mouth contact
- Staying home when you are sick
Residents are reminded that influenza and other seasonal respiratory vaccinations are available at many local pharmacies and personal health care providers as well.
The cost of the influenza vaccine ranges from $45-$93 depending on vaccine type and is covered by most insurances.
The Oswego County Health Department accepts the following insurances: UMR POMCO Select; Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; Empire Plan; Fidelis; United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans; Aetna Medicare Advantage; American Progressive; Humana PPO; Lifetime Benefit Solutions; WellCare Today’s Options; Medicaid and Medicare.
Residents are asked to bring their insurance cards to their appointment. People with insurances other than those listed may have to pay out of pocket and submit a receipt to their insurer for reimbursement. No one is turned away due to their inability to pay.
Residents can call 315-349-3547 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to schedule an appointment. To learn more about other public health services, go to https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/.
