ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (September 29, 2022) — The Rock Island County Health Department (RICHD) will hold walk-in flu vaccination clinics on Tuesdays in October and on November 1 and November 8 during the same time as the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The CDC advises that patients can get the COVID-19 primary vaccine or booster and the flu shot at the same time.
The clinics will be held from 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM, October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25, November 1, and November 8 at the health department, 2112 25th Ave, Rock Island. No appointments are necessary for those age twelve and older. Appointments for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for those younger than twelve. Parents/guardians can call 309-794-7080 for appointments.
Additional flu clinics have been scheduled at other county locations, including:
October 3, 9:30-11:30AM, at Rock Island Township offices, 2827 7th Ave, Rock Island
October 11, 1-3PM, Blackhawk Township offices, 230 W 4th St, Milan
October 17, 1-3PM, Village of Port Byron, 120 S Main St, Port Byron
October 20, 9:30-11:30AM, at South Rock Island Township offices, 1019 27th Ave, Rock Island
October 21, 9:30-11:30AM, Cordova Township, 910 3rd Ave South, Cordova
Both the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent Omicron boosters can be given if it’s been at least two months since the patient’s previous dose. The health department offers the Pfizer vaccine on Fridays from 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. The CDC says patients can take either the Pfizer or Moderna booster vaccines, no matter which brand they had during the primary series (doses one and two) or previous boosters, including doses three and four. At this time, only those eighteen and older can get the Moderna bivalent booster; those twelve and older can get the Pfizer bivalent booster.
“Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters can be given at the same time if you haven’t already gotten your COVID-19 vaccine,” said Janet Hill, public information officer of the Rock Island County Health Department. “Getting vaccinated is our best protection against severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths due to either flu or COVID-19.
“We’ve had great response to our COVID-19 clinics, especially during the recent bivalent booster efforts, and we’d love to see people take advantage to get both vaccines at this one convenient time and location,” Hill said.
Everyone six months and older is recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine, just as everyone six months or older should get the COVID-19 vaccine. The flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and March. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. Serious cases of flu can result in hospitalization or death.
“We’ve been talking for almost two years about the importance of getting vaccinated or boosted to ward off severe COVID-19 infection, and it’s just as important to get you annual flu vaccine for the same reasons,” Hill said.
As in past years, there is no out-of-pocket expense to those with Medicare Part B or an Illinois Medicaid card. Most Blue Cross, UnitedHealth Care, Health Alliance, Aetna, Coventry/First Health, HFN, HealthLink, and Humana insurance plans are accepted. Please bring all insurance cards with you to the clinic. Insurance coverages change frequently, so please check with your insurance carrier to make sure your flu shot is covered. For those not using insurance, the cost is $35. High-dose vaccines for seniors are $55 without insurance. Visa and Mastercard will be accepted. For more information, call the health department at 309-794-7080.
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines also are available at our health-care and pharmacy partners. To find locations and appointment times, visit vaccines.gov.
RICHD vaccination clinics at a glance:
Times: 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM for all clinics
Tuesdays: Moderna and flu vaccines. Everyone six years and older for primary Moderna series and eighteen and older for bivalent booster. Ages six to eleven must have appointments. Call 309-794-7080.
Wednesdays: COVID-19 clinics by appointment for children ages six months to four years. Pfizer is offered in the morning, and Moderna is given in the afternoon.
Fridays: Pfizer. Everyone five and older for primary series and twelve and older for bivalent booster.
