Flu Shots Available through Will County at Several Locations

The Will County Health Department issued this news release:

Flu season is at hand and the Will County Health Department is now offering flu shots for all ages at locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook and University Park.


The cost for an adult flu shot (persons 19 years and older), will be $40. Shots for persons between six months through 18 years old will be $23.75. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted; persons with HMO insurance must go to their primary physician to get a flu shot.

Walk-in shots are available each Monday through Friday at the Will County Community Health Center building in Joliet (1106 Neal Avenue). Walk-in hours are: Mondays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1-4 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon. NOTE - There is no walk-in clinic on the fourth Friday of the month.

Shots are also available on Mondays by appointment at the Health Department branch office in Bolingbrook (323 Quadrangle), and Wednesdays by appointment in University Park (44 Town Center). For an appointment at either branch office location, telephone 815-740-8143, or toll free: 877-942-5807.

The 2013-2014 trivalent vaccine affords protection against A/California (H1N1) like, A/Texas (H3N2), and B/Massachusetts viruses. A new quadravalent formulation also contains protection against B/Brisbane virus. All four of the viruses in the 2013-2014 vaccine formulation are anticipated to be active during the upcoming flu season.  Trivalent flu vaccine is available for infants and young children ages 6 through 35 months and the quadravalent vaccine is available for children 3 years old and older as well as for adults.

ADULT-ONLY COMMUNITY CLINICS

Walk-in adult-only community clinics have been scheduled for October 3, in Monee, and October 8, in Joliet. The Monee clinic will run from 10 a.m.-noon at the St. Paul United Church of Christ (5323 W. Margaret St). The Joliet clinic will be noon-2 p.m. at the St. Joseph Park Hall (1500 N. Raynor Ave- enter the parking lot from Theodore).

You must be a Will County resident and at least 18 years old to attend either of these special clinics. Please bring a picture ID. If applicable, please bring your Medicare &/or Medicaid card and your Social Security card.

Flu shots are urged for everyone over the age of six months. According to the National Centers for Disease Control, shots are especially critical for persons ages 50 and over, those from 19-50 years old with chronic medical conditions, all children older than six months, pregnant women, healthcare providers and contacts of infants under six months old.

There are two 24-hour telephone lines to serve area residents who need information about flu shots and other immunizations provided by the Health Department. To reach the Will County Influenza and Immunization Line, telephone 815-774-7360. For information about adult only walk-in community clinics, telephone 815-740-7632.

Persons sick with a cold or fever should delay receiving a flu shot until they feel better. Pregnant women should obtain a written order from their physician to receive a flu shot.