County Schedules Flu Clinics for Children

It's that time of year again: flu shot season.

The McHenry County Department of Health has received both injectable and intranasal (FluMist) flu vaccine for children six months to 18 years of age through the state-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, said Debra Quackenbush, community information coordinator for MCDH.

"Vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting your family," Quackenbush said.

"Children younger than five are at highest risk of serious flu complications including hospitalizations and death as compared to older children."

For those wanting the shots for their children, appointments are required and can be made by calling 815-334-4536.

Medicaid is accepted. Non-Medicaid children who meet VFC criteria (uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, Alaskan Native) will be charged a $15 administrative fee.

Parents must accompany children and bring up to date immunization records.

New flu clinics have been scheduled at MCDH’s Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St., on the following dates and times: 

• ·         Friday, Sept. 28...1:15 to 3:30 p.m. 
• ·         Friday, Oct. 12.....1 to 5 p.m.  
• ·         Friday, Oct. 19.....1:30 to 4:30 p.m.  
• ·         Tues.,  Oct. 23.....9:30 a.m. to noon; 1 to 5 p.m.
• ·         Friday, Oct. 26.....1 to 4 p.m.

The VFC Program is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s largest public-private partnership, ensuring all eligible children receive the benefits of newly recommended vaccines, thereby strengthening immunity levels in their communities.

Eligible children include those from six months of age to 18 years (accompanied by parent or guardian), All Kids/Public Aid recipients, families without insurance and families whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccinations.