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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">October 3, 2022</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Ryan Sheehan
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.874.7632
<br />Ryan.Sheehan@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Public Health and Human Services now offering flu vaccinations for 2022-2023 season</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is now administering flu vaccinations. Flu shots will be administered through school-based flu clinics, community outreach clinics around Boone County and with appointments in the PHHS clinic. <br /><br />The flu vaccine will be available to all residents aged six months and older. Individuals with a severe egg allergy are advised to consult with their primary health provider about receiving the flu vaccine. PHHS will provide flu vaccinations at no cost to those between the ages of six months and 18 years thanks to a continued partnership with MU Health Care. Their funding and support will aid public health nurses in coordinating flu clinics in participating Boone County elementary, middle and high schools this fall.<br /><br />The cost of the vaccine for residents age 19 and older will vary depending on insurance coverage. The PHHS
clinic accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks and can bill various insurance plans through a system known as VaxCare. A list of the insurance providers accepted through the VaxCare billing system can be found at <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMo.gov/Health/Clinical-Services">CoMo.gov/Health/Clinical-Services</a>. For self-pay residents, the cost of the vaccine is $25. Receipts will be available upon request. A high-dose flu shot is available specifically for those 65 and older.<br /><br />Although a flu vaccine does not protect you against the virus that causes COVID-19, it can help to reduce the overall prevalence of respiratory illness in the community, according to the CDC. In turn, this helps keep those in vulnerable populations protected and reduces the patient load seen by health care providers, preventing the health care system from becoming overwhelmed.<br /><br />To schedule an appointment in the PHHS clinic, 1005 W. Worley St., plea
se call 573.874.7249. Community-based outreach clinics will begin Oct. 5 and are listed below. No appointment is needed for community clinics. Parents with any questions about their school’s participation in the school-based flu shot clinics are encouraged to contact their school nurse. <br /><br />COVID-19 vaccinations will not be available at the flu shot clinics. For a list of locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines, please visit <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMo.gov/CovidVaccine">CoMo.gov/CovidVaccine</a>.<br /><br />Walk-in community clinics:<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday, Oct. 5</strong><br />Hallsville Intermediate School<br />411 E. Highway 124, Hallsville<br />4:30 to 6:30 p.m.<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday, Oct. 12</strong><br />Centralia Intermediate School<br />550 W. Lakeview, Centralia<br />3:30 to 6 p.m.<br /><br /><strong>Thursday, Oct. 20</strong><br />Southern Boone Primary School<br />803 S. Henry Clay Blvd., Ashland<br />3:3
0 to 6 p.m.<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday, Oct. 26</strong><br />Sturgeon School<br />210 W. Patton St., Sturgeon<br />3:30 to 6 p.m.<br /><br /><strong>Thursday, Oct. 27</strong><br />Harrisburg School District Central Office - Community Room<br />1000 S. Harris St., Harrisburg<br />3:30 to 6 p.m.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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