The Whiteside County Health Department (WCHD) is pleased to announce that
beginning on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza (Flu) vaccine is available for individuals age 65 and older. Those individuals are at increased risk for developing serious complications from flu, compared with younger, healthy adults.
During most flu seasons, approximately 70%-85% of flu-related deaths and 50%-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occurring among this age group. This is partly because, the human immune defenses become weaker with increasing age. High-dose influenza vaccines are specially designed to help boost immune response and provide additional protection.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can be administered at the same time and you do not need to wait if you have already received one to get the other. The sooner you receive your vaccine or booster, the sooner you will be protected. Individuals interested in COVID-19 vaccine or booster can schedule an appointment by visiting Vaccines.gov.
Individuals aged 65 who are interested in receiving a high-dose flu vaccine this season may walk in between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Whiteside County Health Department, 1300 W. Second Street, in Rock Falls, IL
Wait times may be slightly longer than during previous seasons, because many individuals are also seeking updated COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Doses at this time.
We will provide an update when flu vaccine is available for individuals younger than 65.
More information on Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Flu vaccine can be found at CDC: Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine.