By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department says it's time to get your flu shot.
"They do, necessarily, recommend that you get the flu shot in September and October," Hammersmith said. "We have all of our flu vaccine in. We'd like people to come and either schedule, or we do take walk-ins for flu vaccine. It's definitely that time of year."
It is okay to get your COVID-19 shot and your flu shot at the same time.
"They took away any precautions that you would take them at separate times, you can do those," Hammersmith said. "Those that had the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and need that booster dose because they are over 65, they can get both of those at the same time, as well."
Experts take a look at how flu goes through the Southern Hemisphere before deciding which strains to include in the yearly shot.
"All of the presentations that we have this year are quadrivalent," Hammersmith said. "That means it's protecting against four different strains of the flu."
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 620-694-2900 Ext. 6, or walk-ins will be accepted during normal operating hours. The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.