The Sedgwick County Health Department is offering the updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and flue shots.
The vaccine targets the dominant variant for much of 2023. The updated vaccine can be received at the same time as the flue vaccine. Last month, the first flu cases were reported in Sedgwick County, which is earlier than usual.
Uninsured and underinsured people who are covered by CHIP or Mediaid/KanCare will be eligible to receive the vaccines at SCHDs main clinic at 2716 W. Central. Check its website, sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/, for appointment times.
Individuals with insurance are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
Stay healthy by staying up-to-date on vaccines
By Monica Cissell
Vaccines are one of the safest and easiest ways you can decrease your risk of illness, protect those around you and promote general public health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all adults 50 and older should make sure they are up to date on the following vaccines:
• COVID-19 vaccine. New booster vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were approved by the FDA Sept. 11.
• Flu vaccine
• Shingles vaccine. This is recommended even if you’ve already had shingles.
• Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, or Td, which protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that people 65 and older receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which can prevent some cases of pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
Adults 60 and older should consult their healthcare provider about getting the RSV vaccine, which can prevent respiratory syncytial virus.
Central Plains Agency on Aging will be coordinating flu and COVID-19 booster clinics at senior centers and senior housing properties through the fall. To find out if a location near you is hosting, talk to a representative there or call 855-200-2372 to find out CPAAA’s vaccine clinic schedule.
Monica Cissell is director of information and community services for CPAAA.
