This year, getting your flu shot is even more important

With flu season commencing, and no sign of COVID-19 letting up, getting a flu shot is more important this year than ever before.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone in the community to get a flu vaccine this year for a number of reasons,” said St. John’s CEO Paul Beaupré, MD. “Getting vaccinated will help you, our healthcare system, and our community.”

Vaccination protects individuals against flu, helps providers make care decisions when a patient has “flu-like symptoms,” and reduces hospitalizations at a time when hospitals may be strained, due to COVID. Another important benefit is that communities with high flu vaccination rates may be given priority status for COVID vaccine distribution, said Beaupré.

As a precautionary measure to reduce the number of people who come into the clinic specifically for flu shots, St. John’s Family Health & Urgent care is offering drive-up flu shot clinics on Saturdays throughout October. Appointments for individuals ages 8 and up are available every 15 minutes, 10 am–4 pm at Smith’s Plaza (1415 South Highway 89). To sign up for an appointment, go to www.stjohns.health/flushot.

The regular dose vaccine will be available for $30 and the high dose (recommended for those 65 and up) will be $60. Insurance, credit cards, and cash (please use exact change) are accepted. Most insurance plans cover flu shots, although a co-payment may be possible, depending on your plan. Medicare Part B covers the high-dose vaccine at 100%.

Flu shots are also available at St. John’s provider offices including Family Health (307.739.8999), St. John’s Retail Pharmacy, and the Teton County Health Department, as well as independent provider offices, including pediatricians. Appointments for children younger than 8 may be made at any of these locations.

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Media contact: Karen Connelly, Chief Communications Officer, 307.739.7380, kconnelly@stjohns.health