By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The flu season typically peaks from December through March. As the temperatures begin to cool and more people move indoors, the Barton County Health Department wants to stay ahead of the season with flu vaccines. Health Department Registered Nurse Lindsey Ensley said that means putting the mobile lab to good use.
"We like to do outreaches where we go out into the community to reach those people who may not be able to come into the health department or go to their primary care very easily," she said.
On Monday, Oct. 14, the mobile lab will make stops in Susank, Beaver, Odin, and Claflin. On Thursday, Oct. 17, the mobile lab will visit Galatia, Olmitz, Albert, and Pawnee Rock. Ensley said health department staff can also go to schools so parents do not have to remove their kids from class, and staff even provides services to private businesses throughout the month of October. The goal is to serve as many people as possible.
"We do not want cost to be a barrier, so if someone does not have health insurance and wants to get their flu vaccine, we want them to come see us," Ensley said. "There are a few options or things we might be able to work out to get them the vaccine they need. Please don't let cost be a barrier."
Patients with insurance typically do not have to pay for a flu vaccine. There is a cash price for patients without insurance. The standard flu vaccine begins at $67, and high-dose and mid-range doses are also available for those 50 years of age and older. Contact the Barton County Health Department at (620) 793-1902 with questions about flu vaccines.