With the onset of fall also comes the beginning of influenza season in Iowa, and local health officials are reminding Iowans to get their annual flu shot sooner rather than later. Carroll County Public Health Co-Director Megan Owen says flu season has been somewhat overlooked the last several years following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Owen adds there has been an increase in vaccine hesitancy nationwide due to questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccines’ efficacy, which has led to a slight decrease in overall vaccination rates locally. However, Owen says Carroll County has a history of very high flu shot administration rates, and the Carroll County Board of Health is optimistic that the trend will continue for the 2022/23 influenza season.
Nearly all forms of health insurance cover the cost of influenza vaccines, including private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. For the uninsured or underinsured, flu shots typically have an out-of-pocket cost of around $35. Vaccines are usually administered at your local pharmacy, clinic, or hospital. Visit www.vaccines.gov to find a provider near you. It takes about two weeks after administration for a flu shot to offer full protection. Questions about the flu shot can be directed to Carroll County Public Health by calling 712-775-2660.
