Beginning October 1, CGH will offer convenient flu vaccination options for adults and children, including daily walk-in and drive-up vaccinations at CGH Ready Care locations through November 30 and dedicated pediatric flu clinics October 20 and 22. See more details below and visit www.cghmc.com/flu for the most updated information.
Influenza can cause more than a few days of feeling under the weather. It can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and complications, particularly for people at higher risk. Getting a flu vaccine each year is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick and experiencing serious complications from the flu.
When should you get your flu shot?
For most people, fall is a good time to get vaccinated against the flu. Getting vaccinated before flu activity increases gives your body time to build protection before you are more likely to be exposed. There may be exceptions depending on age, health history or other factors, so talk with your health care provider about the timing that is right for you or your child.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most people age 6 months and older. Vaccination is especially important for people who have a higher risk of serious flu complications, including:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease
If you have questions about whether a flu vaccine is right for you, talk with your primary care provider.
Why do you need a flu shot every year?
Flu viruses change over time, so vaccines are reviewed and updated each year to help protect against the strains expected to circulate. Protection from vaccination can also decrease over time, which is another reason an annual flu shot matters.
While a flu vaccine cannot guarantee that you will not get sick, vaccination can reduce your risk of influenza-related illness and hospitalization. It may also reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu.
Protect yourself before flu season picks up
Fall calendars can fill up quickly with school, work, sports and family activities. Adding your flu shot to the list now can help you head into flu season with another layer of protection.
Adult flu vaccinations at CGH
- No appointment needed – just show up and roll up your sleeve! CGH will offer walk-in and drive-up vaccinations every day from October 1 to November 30 at CGH Ready Care in Dixon and Sterling.
- Do you have an upcoming appointment at CGH Main Clinic in Sterling? Patients with primary care or specialty appointments at the Main Clinic may receive a flu vaccination during their scheduled visit.
Pediatric flu clinics at CGH
For children ages 6 months to 18 years, CGH will hold two dedicated pediatric flu shot clinics at the Main Clinic Pediatrics Department:
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Main Clinic Peds Dept, 101 E. Miller Road, Sterling
- Thursday, Oct. 22 – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Main Clinic Peds Dept, 101 E. Miller Road, Sterling
Appointments are preferred for pediatric clinics. Call (815) 625-4790 to schedule.
Insurance billing
CGH Medical Center will bill your insurance for all flu shots.
Help keep our community strong and healthy this flu season! If these options don’t work for you, call your primary care provider to schedule your vaccine. For more information, call (815) 625-4790.
