The Springfield Flu Immunization Coalition announces locations for the 2008 high-risk flu shot clinics. The first phase of the 2008 campaign will include the distribution of vouchers for the area high-risk clinics. The second phase will include a week of high-risk flu vaccination clinics (voucher required).

Under the voucher system, high-risk* adults will be able to reserve flu vaccine and select a clinic site in advance. Individuals may pick up vouchers for high-risk adults. Implemented in 2005, the voucher system eliminated the excessive lines and long waits that occurred outside flu clinics in past years. Vouchers will be available for pickup at three sites:

Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, 1735 S. Fort Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 13-17;

Jordan Valley Community Health Center Clinic, 630 W. Kearney St. (old Kearney Branch Library), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (October 13,14,16, & 17) and 8:30 to noon on Wednesday, October 15.

Northview Senior Center, 301 E. Talmage, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 13-17.

*Individuals eligible for the vouchers include adults age 65 and older, adults with chronic health conditions, women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; and individuals in close contact with the sick or people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Health care workers, also considered a high-risk group, should get their flu shots through employers or physicians. (Children under the age of 18 will not be vaccinated at these clinics. Parents or guardians should check with their physician’s office and/or the Health Department at 874-1220.)

The Springfield Flu Immunization Coalition’s high-risk clinics are scheduled October 20-24. The clinics will be open from 7:00 a.m. until noon. To receive a shot, individuals must present their voucher at the designated time, date and location listed on the voucher.

Monday, Oct. 20: Ozarks Community Hospital (formerly Doctor’s Hospital), 2828 N. National
Tuesday, Oct. 21: St. John’s C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont, 2nd Floor
Wednesday, Oct. 22 St. Agnes School, 531 S. Jefferson St.
Thursday, Oct. 23 Cox Walnut Lawn, Ozark Room, 1000 E. Walnut Lawn (East/National entrance)
Friday, October 24 Northview Senior Center, 301 E. Talmage

Vaccine for the clinics will be made available to Greene County residents again this year through the cooperation of the Springfield Flu Immunization Coalition. Members include the Greene County Medical Society, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, CoxHealth, Ozarks Community Hospital and St. John’s Health System. For updates on vouchers and clinics, call the Influenza hotline 417/864-1166. The Springfield Greene County Health Department will offer additional flu clinics in Greene County beginning the week of November 3.