Macoupin County

Seasonal Influenza Clinics 

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people only have mild disease while others get much sicker. Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. On the average 226,000 people are hospitalized each year because of influenza and 36,000 die – mostly elderly. 

All children six months of age and older should have influenza vaccine as should anyone 50 years of age or older. People who are at increased risk of complications should also get influenza vaccine regardless of their age. Those include women who will be pregnant during flu season, anyone with long-term health problems, anyone with a weakened immune system, anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that could lead to breathing or swallowing difficulties, anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities. In addition anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for influenza related complications should get the vaccine. 

Seasonal Flu Clinic Schedule

The Macoupin County Public Health Department will be providing seasonal flu vaccine during the following clinics:

September 29th- GIRARD POD Site: Girard Middle School- 4:00- 7:00 pm

September 30th- GILLESPIE POD Site: Gillespie Middle School- 4:00- 7:00 pm

October 1st- VIRDEN Drive-Thru Clinic: Virden High School and Virden Fire Department- 3:30- 6:30 pm

October 5th- BENLD Drive-Thru Clinic: Cornerstone Missions and Benld Fire Department- 3:30- 6:30 pm

October 9th- CARLINVILLE Drive-Thru Clinic: Macoupin County Fairgrounds and Macoupin County Highway Department- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

October 13th- CARLINVILLE POD Site: Carlinville High School- 4:00- 7:00 pm

The cost for flu and pneumonia vaccine remains the same as last year.  Influenza vaccine will cost $30.00 and Pneumonia vaccine is $45.00. Those covered by Medicare Part B should bring their Medicare cards as Medicare will cover the vaccine. 

Keep in mind that Pneumonia vaccine and children's flu vaccine will not be available during the September Drive-Thru Flu Clinics but will be available during the October Flu Clinics. 

Seasonal Flu Clinic Paperwork

Click here to print out and complete flu clinic paperwork.

Why is it important to get a seasonal flu shot?

- Every year in the United States, 5 to 20% of the population gets the flu

- More than 200,000 people get hospitalized and approximately 36,000 people die each year

- Seasonal flu is characterized by fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Nausea and vomiting can also occur but are most common in children.

- The flu virus is spread primarily from person to person through coughing or sneezing but can also be transmitted by touching something or someone with the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose

- Typically, most healthy adults are able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

- Everyone is at risk for getting the seasonal flu, but certain segments of the population are at higher risk for potentially life-threatening complications from getting the flu. These include; immune compromised residents, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Even if you do not fall into one of these categories it is strongly recommended that you get a flu shot.