Flu shots now available at New Philadelphia Health Department
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Aug. 28, 2023) – The New Philadelphia Health Department is now administering seasonal flu shots for those who are interested. City Health Commissioner Vickie Ionno says the shots arrived on Friday, which is typically around the time when the department receives its first shipment from the state.
Ionno says the shots are good for a year, so it’s not too early to get one because they’ll still offer adequate protection in the spring.
“Every seasonal vaccine does wane toward the end of it,” said Ionno. “The high time for influenza outbreak is usually that November through February-March time.”
Ionno says there have already been some flu cases reported in the area this season, so they make the shots available immediately.
“There’s some people that want to get (the vaccine) as soon as it arrives, and there’s other people that want to wait until mid-October, and certainly that’s everyone’s prerogative.”
Ionno says walk-ins are available at the health department for the flu shots. She says most insurance plans cover the shot, or it is $30 for those paying without insurance. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and then 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The shots being offered right now are just for adults. Ionno says the vaccines for children ages six months to 17 years old should be available around mid-September.