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Flu Vaccine Availability

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services is now offering flu vaccinations on a walk-in basis:

• Monday - Friday from 8 am-4:30 pm at the health department clinic (1005 West Worley) in Columbia
• FluMist is available FREE while supplies last. Healthy, non-pregnant persons age 2-49 are eiligible for the FluMist.

Click here for a list of other community flu clinics, not sponsored by the health department.

Speed up the process by filling out the required consent form and questionnaire prior to arrival.
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Read more about the flu shot
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Read more about the flu mist
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The Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and
• about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services strongly encourages residents to protect themselves and their family by getting a flu vaccine.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Symptoms of the flu include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

How is the flu spread?

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

When should I get vaccinated?

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services offers mass flu clinics in October and will continue to vaccinate throughout the influenza season. Outbreaks can happen as early as October, while influenza activity usually peaks in January or later. 

Who should get vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. Certain high-risk people should be vaccinated yearly, including:

• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu

Are there different types of vaccine?

There are two types of vaccines:

• The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

How does it help?

Each year the vaccine changes based on surveillance and predictions about which virus strains will circulate. By being vaccinated, your body develops immunity to those strains.

Will it make me sick?

The flu shot cannot give you the flu because the viruses are inactivated. Minor side effects can include muscle aches and a low-grade fever. The viruses in the FluMist vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine could include headache, runny nose, sore throat and cough.

Who should take the vaccine?

Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should be vaccinated. Individuals at high risk include adults 50 years or older, children 6 months- 5 years old, pregnant women, and those with chronic disease. All women who are pregnant or breastfeeding during influenza season receive the flu shot.

How much does it cost?

There is a small fee for the influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, we cannot bill private insurances however we will bill Medicaid and Medicare. If you qualify, please bring your card with you. Cash or check will be accepted for payment.

What else can I do to help prevent the flu?

In addition to being vaccinated, there are other practices that can help reduce the chance of getting the flu. This includes avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home from school or work when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose when you are coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.