Get a flu shot at “Walk In Wednesday” clinics
With the flu season just around the corner, getting a flu shot is a great way to protect yourself and your family. While nothing can guarantee that you won’t get the flu, the vaccine is about as close as you can get. It is especially important for women who are pregnant to get vaccinated since they are at a higher risk for complications from the flu. Generally, anyone above the age of 6 months is urged to get vaccinated.
“Studies have revealed that children who got vaccinated had a 74 percent decreased risk of getting admitted to a pediatric ICU with flu-related illnesses; and similar risk reductions were seen in adults and the elderly,” said Patricia Chenault-Salisbury, MS, APRN, Clinic Manager at Parkland’s E. Carlyle Smith Jr. Health Center in Grand Prairie. “You should receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible, since it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection.”
To make it easier to get protected against the virus, Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers are once again offering flu vaccines as part of their Walk-In Wednesday’s campaign.
- No appointment needed from 9 a.m. – noon and from 1 – 4 p.m., every Wednesday during fall and winter months.
- To make an appointment for another day, call 214.266.4000 to schedule a day and time that may be more convenient.
- Vaccines are provided at a cost of $10 for adults with Parkland HEALTHplus and $20 for self-pay adults.
- Children 6 months to 18 years old may qualify for free vaccines under the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.
- Parkland accepts Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and most major health insurance plans.
- For persons without health insurance, Parkland can provide financial screening.
- Flus vaccines are available for Dallas County residents.
To receive your flu shot, find a community health center near you.
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