High demand for vaccinations as flu season approaches

As public health officials anticipate a spike in coronavirus cases this winter, getting a flu shot has become more important than ever.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get vaccinated to keep the flu from spreading within their communities and to conserve health care resources needed to combat the coronavirus.

Getting shots by the end of October is critical, according to the CDC, as it takes about two weeks for the body to produce the antibodies needed to fight off the flu.

Lincoln County residents can get their vaccines at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, the Libby Clinic, Northwest Community Health Center and a number of pop-up clinics in the area. The county health department has already sponsored clinics at The Pastime Lounge, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Libby and the Cabinet Mountain Brewery.

Business owners interested in setting up a clinic are encouraged to contact Trista Gilmore, the county health nurse.

Jennifer McCully, public health manager, said the county is offering a high dose nasal vaccine and a shot that is meant to protect against four different flu viruses. Residents may also get routine pneumonia and TDAP vaccines at the county clinics.

The Libby Clinic has seen a high demand for flu shots this year, according to Pam Winter, office manager.

“We were getting calls in September from people who wanted to get flu shots and wanted to be protected as soon as possible,” Winter said.

While most patients at the clinic have already received their vaccine this year, Winter said the facility is continuing to provide residents with shots. Earlier in the month, Winter said the clinic held three flu drives.

Due to concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus, patients were asked to wait outside and were screened by staff before entering the clinic. One-by-one, they were brought into a room and given a shot. Winter said CHC staff sanitize the room after each vaccination.

Patients who would still like to receive a vaccine can set up an appointment at the clinic. Winter said staff members carefully screen patients over the phone and in the parking lot before allowing them into the building. Winter said they ask any patients who show symptoms of COVID-19 to call the county hotline and request a coronavirus test.

Kate Stephens, public information officer at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, said COVID-19 and the flu often share symptoms such as fever, coughing and congestion. As a precaution, Stephens said anyone with flu-like symptoms is treated as if they were infected with the coronavirus.

Family medicine patients can call the center to set up a vaccination appointment. Stephens said health workers at the center offer flu shots to all patients on the floor.