Get flu shots with McHenry County Department of Health
The McHenry County Department of Health joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in encouraging an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious illness.
Appointments for shots for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at (815) 334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info.
The cost is $35; Medicaid and Medicare Part B are accepted.
The McHenry County Department of Health will administer a quadrivalent vaccine.
Initial flu clinics are scheduled for the following times and locations. Appointments are necessary.
• Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the health department, 2200 N Seminary Ave., Building A, Woodstock.
• Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St.
• Thursday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the health department, 2200 N Seminary Ave., Building A, Woodstock
• Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the health department, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at McHenry Township Office, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg
• Thursday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Algonquin Township office, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake
• Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Johnsburg Library, 3000 W. Johnsburg Road
Flu is a serious and contagious illness - even healthy people can get it. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top four flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu.
It will take about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection. Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.
For information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm.