For Immediate Release
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will be offering Vaccines for Children at public clinics in February. Anyone two months of age and older are invited to get their vaccinations. Flu shots will still be available for anyone 6 months of age and older. Flu (influenza) is circulating throughout the health district, and almost 100 people have gone to the emergency room for influenza so far this flu season. Getting a flu shot now will provide protection for the rest of time flu is going around. It is never too late to get a flu shot.
Locations include:
Curtis – Monday, February 9th, 4:30-5:30 pm at Medicine Valley High School.
Imperial – Wednesday, February 18th, 4:00-6:00 pm Mountain Time at Chase County Clinic.
Ogallala – by appointment only, based upon the nurse availability, at 10 N Spruce St, Suite B.
McCook – daily Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 pm based upon the nurse availability, at 404 West 10th Street (one block north of Arby’s).
Other locations: check with your local healthcare provider or pharmacy.
We encourage those interested in vaccination to call to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those with a scheduled appointment.
Vaccine Highlight: Shingrix
Shingles is a painful illness caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles. Shingles can cause burning pain, blisters, fever, and in some cases long-lasting nerve pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 50 years and older get the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, even if they have had shingles before or do not remember having chickenpox. If you had two doses of the older Zostavax vaccine, you are still eligible to receive the Shingrix vaccine.
The Shingrix vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, and is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications. Getting vaccinated can help protect your health and reduce missed work, medical visits, and long-term pain. Talk with your healthcare provider, pharmacist or SWNPHD to see if the shingles vaccine is right for you and to schedule your appointment today.
Vaccines for Children is funded in whole with federal and DHHS funds. Children with no insurance, under-insured, Medicaid, Native American or Native Alaskan qualify for state-funded vaccine. Adults who are uninsured or under-insured may also qualify for state funded vaccine. Call the office for qualifications at 308-345-4223. Only state-funded vaccines are available at the Imperial location. Both state- funded and private vaccine will be offered at all other clinics. Insurance billing and cash or credit card payment options are available to those who do not qualify for the state-funded vaccine.
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube.