Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHH) is opening its rural flu clinics again this fall in preparation for flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported earlier this week that last flu season was one of the worst the United States has seen in decades. About 80,000 people died from the flu last winter.
The rural clinics provide the opportunity for people outside of Columbia to get vaccinated.
Jason Wilcox from Columbia/Boone County PHHS said, “Getting the flu vaccine is your first line of defense. We hope [these clinics] will reduce barriers for folks to come out and get their flu vaccine this fall.”
The clinics are opening throughout the county starting in October. Vaccines for children 6 months old to 18 years old are free. Vaccine prices will vary for adults 19 years and older depending on insurance. Without insurance, the cost for self-paying individuals is $25. The clinics are not accepting debit or credit cards.
A stronger vaccination is also available for adults 65 years and older.
The PHHS clinic in Columbia also offers vaccinations without an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To get more information on the clinics, visit CoMO.gov/health/flu.