Mon Health kicks off the 2018 Fight the Flu campaign

Mon Health's annual Fight the Flu campaign has kicked off with community flu shot sites scheduled through Oct. 20.

The cost of the influenza vaccine is $20 and is available for anyone age 9 and older. A high-dose will be available for those 65 and older.

In addition to offering the flu vaccine, Mon Health will also offer the pneumonia vaccine for $30 (first-time dose only). Mon Health can bill WV PEIA, Humana, WV Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare replacement plans for the cost.

Flu is a respiratory infection caused by a number of viruses. It is mainly spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact.

Between 5-20 percent of people in the United States get the flu each year. It can be serious or even life-threatening for elderly people, newborns and people with certain chronic illnesses.

The flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu, make the flu less severe if you do get it and keep you from spreading the flu to your family and others.

The CDC recommends annual, routine flu vaccinations for all persons older than 6 months, who do not have contraindications.

Mon Health's Fight the Flu community schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to noon, Senior Monongalians at Mountaineer Mall
• Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, Westside Senior Center (Westover)
• Oct. 19, 7-10 a.m., City Neon (across from Mylan Park)
• Oct. 20, 7-10 a.m., Clear Mountain Bank at Glenmark Center, Dynamic Physical Therapy in Westover and the Mon Health Medical Center Conference Center

For more information, call 304-599-7358.