McHenry County offering flu mist vaccines for kids

Submitted by McHenry County Department of Health

The McHenry County Department of Health has received its intranasal FluMist flu vaccine for children ages 2 to 18 through the state-funded Vaccines for Children Program.

Appointments are required by calling (815) 334-4536. For those who are Medicaid eligible and non-Medicaid children that meet VFC criteria, uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, Alaskan Native, an administrative cost of $15 is assessed. Parents must accompany children and bring up to date immunization records.

The flu clinics for kids are scheduled at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St., from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11 and 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28.

Vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting your family. Children younger than 5 are at highest risk of serious flu complications including hospitalizations and death as compared to older children.

The VFC Program is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s largest public-private partnership, ensuring that all eligible children receive the benefits of newly recommended vaccines, thereby strengthening immunity levels in their communities. Eligible children include those from 6 months of age to 18 years, accompanied by parent or guardian, All Kids/Public Aid recipients, families without insurance and families who insurance doesn’t cover vaccinations.

For details, visit mcdh.info.