NKY Health Department encourages flu vaccinations; offered by appointment at county health centers

NKy Tribune staff

The Northern Kentucky Health Department is encouraging those who have not already done so to get a flu vaccination.

Flu activity monitoring began Oct. 1. Through Dec. 17, a total of 37 cases of flu have been reported in Northern Kentucky.

In 2015-2016, a total of 1,896 cases were reported. Three deaths, all in adults with underlying medical conditions, were also reported.

The Centers for Disease Control is no longer recommending the nasal flu vaccine; that means everyone will need to receive the vaccine in shot form. Check with a health care provider to see which type of flu vaccine is best for you.

Additional details about flu are contained in the Northern Kentucky Health Department fact sheet.

The Health Department is offering flu vaccine by appointment at its four county health centers .

*Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky., 859.363.2060

*Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859.431.1704

*Grant County Health Center, 234 Barnes Road, Williamstown, Ky., 859.824.5074

*Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859.431

The Health Department will offer the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four strains of the flu virus.

Cost is $25, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. The cost of flu vaccine is covered by Medicaid and the federal program Vaccine for Children for those who are eligible.

The Health Department will vaccinate anyone who wishes to receive it, but individuals with private insurance may want to consider getting vaccinated by another provider, as the Health Department does not directly bill private insurance plans.