Influenza has started to spread around Grinnell, according to Patricia Heinrichs, director of home health, hospice and public health at Grinnell Regional Public Health. To help combat the spread and severity of the disease, UnityPoint-Grinnell Regional Public Health will continue to provide influenza vaccinations. It is helpful to get vaccinated as early as possible as it takes a bit of time for the body to build up antibodies and display its full effects.
Everyone in the community is welcome to get these vaccines, according to Heinrichs.
“The recipients do not need to be a resident of Iowa to receive the vaccine … It is recommended that everyone who is six months [old] and over receive the vaccine,” said Heinrichs.
Grinnell Regional Public Health has provided flu vaccinations for over 30 years. According to Heinrichs, the vaccines are usually 100 percent covered by most insurance companies including Medicare and Medicaid, but for the uninsured, the clinics accept money up front.
There are many other locations across Poweshiek County where the vaccine is offered between Sept.27 and Nov. 21. Some of these locations include Grinnell-Newberg High School on October 17 and Grinnell Middle School on Oct. 29. A full list of the ten remaining dates and locations can be found on unitypoint.org under “Public Health.”
Heinrichs said it is important to get flu shots, especially considering the increasingly rapid spread of colds starting off this school year. The flu is debilitating, uncomfortable and, if left untreated, it can even be deadly. Dealing with these symptoms in the middle of a packed academic schedule can be difficult.
Though it is improbable that every single person will be vaccinated, if a large majority is vaccinated, everyone who isn’t will be protected through the immunity of others. Therefore getting vaccinated is not only good for you; it is helpful to the greater community.
Grinnell College students and staff can receive their free flu shots through SHACS on Oct. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in JRC 101.
