Public Health and Human Services now offering flu shots

The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department (PHHS) is now offering flu shots for all individuals age six months and older.

No appointment is needed to receive an injectable flu shot in the PHHS clinic at 1005 W. Worley St. in Columbia, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals with a severe egg allergy should contact their medical provider about receiving the flu vaccine.

The FluMist nasal spray vaccine will not be offered by PHHS this flu season. Parents who are uncertain about which is best for their children should talk it over with their medical provider.

Thanks to generous support from MU Children's Hospital and the David B. Lichtenstein Foundation, PHHS continues to provide free flu vaccines to all children age six months through 18 years. Funding and support from these community organizations will also allow public health nurses to conduct flu clinics in participating Boone County elementary, middle and high schools this fall. These school-based clinics typically begin in October. Parents with questions about their school's participation should contact their school nurse.  

For adults age 19 and older, the cost of the vaccine depends on insurance coverage. The PHHS clinic accepts cash, check, credit cards and debit cards, and can bill many insurance plans through a system called VaxCare.  A list of the insurance providers accepted through the VaxCare billing system can be found at http://www.como.gov/health/clinical-services/clinical-service-fees/missouri-insurance-list/. The cost of the vaccine is $25 for self-pay individuals. Receipts can be provided upon request. A high-dose flu shot is available specifically for persons age 65 and older.

"Getting a flu vaccine every year is your best protection against the flu," Public Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Browning said. "We encourage anyone over the age of six months to be vaccinated, especially if you have chronic medical conditions, are over the age of 65, or will spend time around a newborn during flu season."

For more information, please visit CoMo.gov/health/flu.