The Healthy Community Coalition has postponed its flu shot clinics in Vienna, Jay, Weld, Strong, and Rangeley, originally scheduled to take place from Nov. 5-10, until further notice.
According to Jennifer McCormack, RN, there has been an overwhelming demand for the seasonal flu vaccine in the towns that the Coalition has had flu clinics and the organization has run out of vaccine. As more vaccine becomes available in the coming weeks, McCormack anticipates that the clinics for the five towns will be rescheduled.
Clinics slated to take place on Nov. 16 and later remain on the schedule. They include:
Monday, Nov. 16-Livermore at Bretton’s Variety, 9-11 a.m. and Livermore Falls at FMH Outpatient Services, 12-2 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18-Kingfield at Webster Hall, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 25-Phillips at Shadagee Apartments, 12-2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18-Wilton at Key Bank, 9-11 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 21-Carrabassett Valley at Sugarloaf Comp Center, 10 a.m.-12.
It is recommended that you first contact your primary care provider to receive your flu shot from them. Most insurance companies cover the cost of receiving the shot in your primary care provider’s office. While there ask about the need for the pneumonia vaccination, which could be provided by your doctor’s office and not offered by Healthy Community Coalition.
Due to the cost of the vaccine, there is a suggested donation of $20 at Healthy Community Coalition clinics (or by donating what you can afford). Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid cannot be accepted.
Franklin Community Health Network is also reminding residents to call its flu hotline for updates about flu prevention, local seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine availability, and public flu shot clinics. The hotline number is 779-3147. Information is also available online at www.fchn.org/news/flu-updates.
For more information, contact the Healthy Community Coalition at 779-3136 or 1-800-525-3136.
