With more than 15 inches of precipitation so far this year, there’s no doubt this spring will bring out swarms of mosquitoes, experts say.FORT WAYNE – Free flu shots for eligible children ages 6 months to 18 years are available at the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health or through any of the 10 Super Shot locations in Allen County.
Officials at both agencies said Friday they have a good supply of the injectable flu vaccine.
Vaccine shortages have been reported in the area in the wake of a flu epidemic that has claimed 27 lives in Indiana.
Across the country, the flu has killed 29 children, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.
Allen County has had two flu-related deaths – both older adults.
Those most at risk include children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
“We have been very, very busy at our clinics, but we have plenty of vaccines,” Super Shot director Kelly Zachrich said.
John Silcox, spokesman for the Department of Heath, said it too has a good supply of the injectable form of the vaccine but is out of flu mist.
The vaccine is free to children without insurance, on Medicaid or those with insurance that does not cover vaccines, Silcox said.
For others, the shot is $18.
The vaccine is administered at the Immunization Clinic at the health department’s medical annex, 4813 New Haven Ave.
Call 449-7504 to make an appointment from Tuesday through Friday.
Super Shot provides walk-in clinics at 10 locations across Allen County, including Saturday and evening clinics. Those clinics are also out of the flu mist.
“We have the mist on order and are supposed to be getting some next week,” Zachrich said, “but we have plenty of flu shots.”
Although based in Allen County, Super Shot serves qualifying children from any area, Zachrich said.
Last year, Super Shot clinics served children in 20 counties, she said.
No appointment is necessary, and children are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. There is an administration fee of $8 a shot, and Medicaid is accepted.
“There is a fee, but no one will be turned away for failure to pay,” Zachrich said.
Saturday clinics are from 9 a.m. to noon at Parkview FirstCare, 3909 New Vision Drive.
For other clinic locations and hours, go to supershot.org or call 424-7468.
The Department of Health and Super Shot locations require that children younger than 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, go to www.fighttheflu.org.
