FORT WAYNE, Ind. (September 28, 2020) – During an already difficult health landscape, local officials are asking the community to protect themselves from another dangerous respiratory disease by getting the flu shot.
“While we can’t be sure what this year’s influenza season will look like, we know how important it is to take every health precaution available with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 already challenging our community and health care system,” said Dr. Matthew Sutter, Allen County Health Commissioner. “The flu can be a dangerous respiratory disease, and the shot is effective in preventing it or lessening its impact.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine each season, and advise it is particularly important for those at high risk of serious complications from influenza. People at high risk for developing flu-related complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections include children younger than five-years-old, adults over 65 years of age, pregnant women and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
There are myriad options for getting the flu shot in the community:
- IU Health Fort Wayne patients can schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or visit an IU Health Urgent Care location for flu shots. Find a location near you at iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/flu-shot.
- Lutheran Health Network is offering flu shots at many of the Lutheran Health Physicians primary care offices and urgent care clinics throughout northeast Indiana for both patients and the public. For more information or to schedule a flu shot appointment, visit lutheranhealth.net/the-flu or call 833-LHN-4YOU (833-546-4965).
- Parkview Health is offering flu shot clinics throughout northeast Indiana for both patients and the public. For a list of locations and details, visit parkview.com/flu or call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632).
- The Allen County Department of Health provides flu shots by appointment in addition to most common childhood and adult vaccinations. Call (260) 449-7504 for more information and to make an appointment.
Additionally, organizations like Super Shot as well as retail pharmacy locations like Kroger, Meijer, Walgreens and CVS are all providing influenza vaccinations – often at low or no cost. Call your doctor for more information or find locations near you at vaccinefinder.org.