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

We are fast approaching the time of year referred to as “flu season,” and if you have ever contracted the flu, you know all too well how serious this illness can be…as in, you never want it again!

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. 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.

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. Vaccination is especially important for the high-risk groups previously mentioned. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor/hospital visits, and missed work and school due to flu symptoms.

A typical flu season begins in October and can continue well into the month of May. 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 a more comprehensive vaccination—the quadrivalent vaccine—that protects against four flu virus strains as opposed to three that are covered with the traditional (trivalent) vaccines. There are also a limited number of egg-free vaccinations available for those with an egg allergy.

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 health care offices located in Marlette, Brown City, Kingston, Mayville, and North Branch. The vaccinations are $40 for patients electing to pay cash, but Medicare Part B and most insurances cover the cost of the vaccine with no co-pay as a preventative benefit.

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