Public Health and Human Services now offering flu vaccinations for 2020-2021 season

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is now administering flu vaccinations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu shots will be administered through school-based flu clinics, outreach clinics around Boone County, and curbside appointments. 

Flu vaccination is crucial this year because of the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. Although a flu vaccine does not protect you against the virus that causes COVID-19, it can help to reduce the overall prevalence of respiratory illness in your community, according to the CDC. In turn, this helps keep those in vulnerable populations protected and reduces the patient load seen by healthcare providers, preventing the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

"The most effective protection against influenza is vaccination," PHHS Director Stephanie Browning said. "Not only does the vaccine protect you from infection, it also protects those around you, including those who may be more vulnerable to severe illness."

The vaccine will be available to all residents aged six months and older. Individuals with a severe egg allergy are advised to consult with their primary health provider about receiving the flu vaccine. PHHS will provide flu vaccinations at no cost to those between the ages of six months and 18 years thanks to a continued partnership with MU Health Care and the David B. Lichtenstein Foundation. Their beneficent funding and support will aid public health nurses in coordinating flu clinics in participating Boone County elementary, middle and high schools this fall.

The cost of the vaccine for residents age 19 and older will vary depending on their insurance coverage. The PHHS clinic accepts cash, credit and debit cards and checks and can bill various insurance plans through a system known as VaxCare. A list of the insurance providers accepted through the VaxCare billing system can be found at CoMo.gov/Health/Clinical-Services/Clinical-Service-Fees/Missouri-Insurance-List. For self-pay residents, the cost of the vaccine is $25. Receipts will be available upon request. A high-dose flu shot is available specifically for persons age 65 and older.

School-based clinics began Sept. 22. Parents with any questions about their school’s participation are encouraged to contact their school nurse. Curbside flu shots will be available at PHHS by appointment only. Please call 573.874.7355 to schedule. Community-based drop-in clinics will begin Sept. 30 and are listed below. No appointment is needed for community clinics. Additional information can be found on the PHHS website at CoMo.gov/health/


Community-based drop-in clinics:

Sept. 30, 3:30-6 p.m.
Sturgeon, Sturgeon Elementary School 

Oct. 5, 2-3 p.m.
Rocheport, Rocheport Moniteau Housing

Oct. 7, 3:30-6 p.m.
Hallsville, Hallsville Intermediate School

Oct. 12, 9-10 a.m.
Harrisburg, Harrisburg Legion Hall

Oct. 14, 3:30-6 p.m.
Centralia, Centralia Intermediate School

Oct. 21, 3:30-6 p.m.
Harrisburg, Harrisburg Community Room

Oct. 26, 3:30-6 p.m.
Ashland, Ashland Primary School