The Flu Stops With You—Vaccines Available at Marlette Regional Hospital

Flu season has arrived! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a yearly flu vaccine is recommended for people ages 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious illness.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases lead to hospitalization. Influenza affects people differently, and some people are at a higher risk for developing serious complications from the illness and should therefore get vaccinated. High-risk groups include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years of age and older.

A flu vaccine provides protection throughout the entire season against the main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. After vaccination, it takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop the antibodies that will provide protection against the influenza virus. So, it is best to get the vaccination as soon as it becomes available.

For this flu season, Marlette Regional Hospital is offering the quadrivalent vaccine as well as a limited number of egg-free vaccinations for those with an egg allergy. Medicare Part B and most insurances cover the cost of the vaccine with no co-pay as a preventative benefit.

Vaccinations are available at Specialty HealthCare Services of Marlette Regional Hospital, located in Suites 7 and 8 of the Medical Office Building, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. with no appointment necessary. They are also available at Marlette Regional Hospital’s family healthcare offices located in Marlette, Brown City, Kingston, Mayville, and North Branch.

For more information, please call 989-635-4344 or visit www.marletteregionalhospital.org.