The lengthening shadows and peek of color on the trees means more than just a shift to cooler weather.
It means it a good time to prepare for the illnesses that spread when people come together.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of flu vaccines. If not, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department may be able to help.
The cost for the seasonal adult flu vaccination without insurance is $45 and adjuvanted (65+ year) flu vaccination is $85 This year, health department clinics will offer vaccinations for COVID-19 (Moderna), flu (Influenza) and pneumonia (Prevnar).
The clinics will run from the week of Sept. 23 through the week of Nov. 18. Appointments are required.
Another illness, respiratory in nature, has also gotten a lot of press lately.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common, contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.
Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you’re typically contagious for three to eight days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as four weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms. Symptoms with includes fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat and tiredness. The Centers for Disease Control recommends RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 years and older, and for adults ages 60 to 74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.
Abrysvo is administered by the BLDHD for this purpose.
CDC recommends an RSV vaccine if you are ages 60-74 and:
• Have chronic heart or lung disease
• Have a weakened immune system • Have certain other medical conditions, including severe obesity and severe diabetes
• Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility RSV vaccine is given as a single dose, which provides protection against RSV disease in adults ages 60 years and older for at least two winter seasons, when RSV normally circulates.
You can schedule an appointment at https://ph-benzieleelanau.as.me/ schedule/1b5ab9a9/appointment/52194099/calendar/6203154?calen darIds=6203154 or calling 231-882-4409, ext. 3.
