Central District Health Offering Flu Vaccinations and Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

BOISE, Oct. 10, 2023 – Central District Health is now accepting appointments for seasonal influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccinations to help curb the spread of respiratory viruses. 

As the weather grows colder, people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others, increasing the chances of spreading germs. While most people who catch a respiratory virus will recover after a short illness, some may get sick enough to be hospitalized. To help stop the spread of viruses, CDH is recommending the following vaccines for anyone aged six months and up. 

• Flu vaccine: Everyone six months of age or older should get the flu vaccine before the season starts, usually before November. This year’s flu vaccines will protect against the influenza viruses expected to be circulating during the upcoming flu season. Getting the flu vaccine protects individuals who get it and can reduce spread to others.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Everyone six months of age or older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which became available in September 2023 and replaced all previous versions. The updated vaccine protects against the variants causing infections right now. Vaccination protects against severe illness and reduces the chance of getting long COVID, which can affect some people after the initial infection and last for weeks or months. 

Annual vaccinations are important because flu strains and the COVID-19 virus change and mutate. Vaccines do not 100% prevent disease, but they can lessen the effects of a particular disease. When a person is already vaccinated, their immune system recognizes and defends against the virus. Vaccines may also prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death. 

“Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those who are unable to get vaccinated,” said Natasha King-Anderson, a family nurse practitioner at Central District Health. “Stay home when you have illness symptoms, wash your hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, cover coughs and sneezes, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.”

Central District Health serves Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties and offers vaccines to people ages six weeks and older whether they are insured, underinsured or uninsured. Some individuals are eligible for vaccines at little-to-no cost depending on insurance status. Call 208-327-7400 to make an appointment. 

Bring a driver’s license or other state-issued ID that shows your name, age and state residency, along with your health insurance and vaccination cards, if you have them.

For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please visit cdc.gov or flu.idaho.gov. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines see the Vaccinate Idaho webpage or call the Idaho CareLine on 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588.

NOTE TO MEDIA: B-roll from CDH of our Boise location and people getting shots available upon request.

About Central District Health
CDH, Public Health District IV, is one of seven public health districts within the state of Idaho, serving the counties of Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley. With a vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities, CDH’s emphasis is on decreasing risk factors for chronic disease, improving quality of life and increasing the years of healthy life among residents.

Contact: Trent Young, Public Information Specialist
Office: 208-327-8525 | Cell 986-224-1089
tyoung@cdh.idaho.gov | cdh.idaho.gov/news

Follow @cdhidaho (FB, Twitter & Instagram)

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