COLDWATER – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says it’s not too early to think about getting a flu shot.
September and October are the recommended months for getting flu shots, and Kari Nichols, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention for the CHA says an annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu.
Nichols says flue vaccination is recommended for everyone ages six months and up. It is an important preventative tool for people with chronic health conditions, and has also been shown to be life-saving for children who get the flu. Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect them from flu illness and hospitalization, and has been shown to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth.
It is important to get a flu shot every year because the flu virus is constantly changing. Flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season. While some people who are vaccinated still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce severity of illness and reduce incidence of hospitalization.
Nichols says the flu vaccine is widely available and may be fully covered by your insurance at your local pharmacy or Primary Care Provider’s offices. Flu shots are also available through the CHA at no cost for those with Medicaid, Medicare, and certain insurance plans. Call your local office to schedule an appointment and to determine if your insurance is accepted.
The CHA offers free vaccinations, through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for those under 18, and the BRIDGES program for persons 18 and older, to qualifying families or individuals who are not insured or whose insurance does not cover immunizations.
(05-08-2025) Former DeKalb County Sheriff Don Lauer Passes Away
(05-08-2025) Town Council Hires Company For Paving Projects
(05-07-2025) Central Noble Voters Say No To Referendum
(05-07-2025) Hamilton School Voters Approve Referendum Renewal
(05-07-2025) Bronson Schools Bond Request Voted Down
(05-06-2025) Indiana Toll Road Upgrades Starting This Week In Elkhart County
(05-05-2025) 2025 Summer Job Market Forecast Released For Michigan Teens
(05-03-2025) Trine Breaks Ground For New Student Design Center
(05-03-2025) Two Coldwater Residents Injured In Accident
(05-03-2025) Tekonsha Woman Arrested For Child Abuse
(05-03-2025) Bronson Man Arrested On CSC Charges
(05-02-2025) WBET And WLKM Win 2025 Liberty Bell Award
(05-03-2025) Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest Of Michigan Man
(05-03-2025) Bronson Man Injured In SUV v Semi Accident
(05-01-2025) Wortz Says Return Control Over Wind, Solar Projects To the People
(05-01-2025) Second Suspect Arrested In Connection With Fraud Investigation
(04-30-2025) Westview Schools Name Valedictorian, Co-Salutatorians
(04-30-2025) Hamilton School Voters To Decide On Referendum On May 6
(04-30-2025) Wolcottville Man Sentenced For Kidnap And Rape
(04-29-2025) LaGrange Hometown Hero Banner Program Underway For 2025-2026