Local health officials are hoping residents take advantage of vaccine availability as we get deeper into fall.
COVID-19 vaccines have been readily available for people over the age of 12 for several months, and the seasonal availability of flu vaccine is stepping up as we speak. Lyon County Public Health Incident Commander Renee Hively says it’s important to get vaccinated against both COVID and the flu this fall.
Health officials have also worried about available hospital bed space, which is tight at Newman Regional and Coffey Health System in their weekly reports so far this month.
Hively and other health officials are also closely watching two other headlines dealing directly with COVID-19 vaccines. One deals with President Joe Biden’s recent mandate for federal workers and contractors to be fully vaccinated, as well as businesses with 100 or more employees. The second half of that will likely see numerous legal challenges before it can move forward.
The other deals with vaccines reaching younger ages. Earlier this week, Pfizer said it plans to seek emergency use authorization to vaccinate children as young as 5. Hively says having vaccinations available for youngsters is “exciting” because it helps to keep them safe along with other mitigation policies like mask use and social distancing.
Speaking of vaccinations, Flint Hills Community Health Center has a drive-thru flu shot clinic from 7:30 am to 4 pm Oct. 8. The flu shot is free with most insurance providers. For uninsured residents, the flu shot will cost $30 and is payable by cash or check. Residents ages six months and up can get vaccinated.
