Wrangell Sentinel -

With school back in session and fall quickly approaching, the beginning of flu season is right around the corner.

In years past, the Wrangell Public Health Center has made immunizations available to the community; however the State of Alaska has recently changed its policy and, for the second year running, will no longer be offering flu immunizations to adults at the Front Street clinic. The vaccine will still be available to infants and children, however.

There has been a community planning effort to make the flu vaccine readily available. Wrangell Medical Center will offer an adult flu immunization clinic, making 400 doses of the current flu vaccine available to residents 18 years or older.

WMC will offer the clinic from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 downstairs at the Harbor Light Assembly of God church.

“The cost for an immunization is $25 per dose and we will be able to bill people’s insurance, SEARHC, Medicare and Medicaid,” said WMC organizer Carin Rhodes, “But, folks will need to bring their paperwork with them to the church.”

According to CDC recommendations, being immunized early in the flu season ensures protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is at its highest. The vaccine is developed yearly to protect against flu strains that scientists predict will be most virulent for that particular season.

While everyone is encouraged to get immunized, it is particularly important for people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.