ACMH Encourages Residents to Get Their Annual Flu Shot With Extended Walk-In Hours

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Audubon County Memorial Hospital & Clinics wants to remind you that getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially serious complications. Flu season typically begins in late October or November. Since the vaccine takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body, getting the vaccine now will offer protection when the season begins.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone over 6 months of age get the flu vaccine. Studies have shown that even if you do catch the flu after being vaccinated, illness is less severe and serious complications are much less likely to occur.

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and often puts healthy people in bed for days. It is important that in addition to getting vaccinated, Iowans remember the Three Cs:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Contain germs by staying home when ill
  • Clean your hands with soap and water

Audubon County Memorial Hospital and Clinics has made it more convenient for you to get your flu shot with extended walk-in evening hours.  Flu shots are available at both Audubon Family Health Clinic and Exira Medical Clinic. Both clinics have flu shots for everyone ages 6 months and up. There will be extended walk-in hours for flu shots in Audubon and Exira over the next few weeks! Audubon Family Health Clinic will be open from 5-7pm on October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. Exira Medical Clinic will be open from 5-7pm on October 16th and November 6th. You can also get your flu shot anytime that either clinic is open! No appointment is necessary. $25 due at the time of service. Many insurance plans cover flu shots, so be sure to bring your insurance card with you. For more information, call 712-563-4611 in Audubon or 712-268-5348 in Exira.