Flu shots and updated COVID boosters available now at JCHC

The fall season brings a changing of the seasons, and new versions of available vaccines. Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC) is now offering updated COVID-19 boosters and annual flu shots.

The annual influenza vaccination is recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all people age 6 months or older. Each year, the vaccine is formulated to protect against what healthcare professionals anticipate being the most common strains of the influenza virus. After two years of lower-than-average influenza rates, experts are anticipating a resurgence of infections due to lower masking rates and an increase in public gatherings. JCHC is encouraging everyone in Southeast Iowa to prepare early by getting a flu shot.

JCHC Clinics is hosting flu shot clinics on the following dates:

Saturday, October 22 | 8:00 a.m. – noon

Wednesday, October 26 | 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 5 | 8:00 a.m. – noon

Patients should make an appointment for JCHC’s flu clinics by calling 641-472-4156. If these times don’t work in your schedule, they can also make an appointment during regular clinic hours.

New COVID-19 Booster

Recently authorized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the new COVID-19 booster has been updated to better protect against variants of the virus, including Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. It is commonly called a “bivalent” vaccine because it also contains the original vaccine, which lengthens protection against earlier strains of the virus.

The new, bivalent vaccine booster is available now and recommended for adults and children age 12 and up who have completed their initial vaccination series. Individuals should wait sixty (60) days since their last COVID-19 shot to receive the updated booster, or ninety (90) days since a COVID-19 infection. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled at JCHC Clinics by calling 641-472-4156.

Patients can get both vaccines during the same visit if they choose to do so.