The Department of Health will start flu clinics when the first cases are reported

September 30, 2022

The Oswego County Health Department has announced five Oswego County residents have had lab-confirmed cases of the flu so far this season. According to the investigation, four of them are children.

“Flu season is always unpredictable, but now that we’ve seen cases in the county, it’s important to get a flu shot,” said Jody Martin, director of preventive services for the Oswego County Health Department. “It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated.”

The Oswego County Health Department will offer flu clinics every Monday and Friday starting Monday, October 3rd from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm. The clinics are walk-in only and offer vaccinations for people 6 months and older.

The cost of the vaccine ranges from $38 to $81 depending on the type of vaccine and is covered by most insurance. The Department of Health accepts the following insurances: UMR POMCO Select, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Fidelis, United HealthCare Community Plan, United Healthcare Medicare advantage plans, Medicaid and Medicare. Those with insurance other than those listed must pay out of pocket and submit a receipt to their insurer for reimbursement. No one will be returned for failure to pay.

Nasal flu shots are given to people ages 2 to 49 and high-dose flu shots are given to people 65 and older. As the Oswego County Health Department continues to receive flu vaccine supplies, please call to confirm availability of high-dose and nasal vaccines before entering.

Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People with the flu often experience some or all of these symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.

Most flu patients recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people develop complications such as pneumonia, some of which can be life-threatening and even fatal.

The Department of Health recommends the best ways people can protect themselves and their families from the flu:

• Take the time to get a flu shot. Preventing the flu is the first and most important step people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
• Take action to prevent the spread of germs. Frequent hand washing, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching your face, staying home when you are sick, and avoiding contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of germs.
• Take the anti-viral flu medicine prescribed by the doctor. These medicines help to ease the symptoms or shorten the duration of the illness. They work best if started within two days of being sick.

For more information about flu or vaccination clinics, visit the Oswego County Health Department website at www. https://health.oswegocounty.com/ or call 315-349-3547.