Vaccine Locations, Dates and Times
Spectrum Health is offering flu shots at convenient times and places throughout West Michigan. Beginning September 11, you can attend a flu shot clinic in your community hosted by Spectrum Health Visiting Nurses Association (VNA). Or you can make an appointment with your Spectrum Health Medical Group or mmpc primary care provider to receive the vaccine after September 15. Or you can stop by one of five urgent care locations in the Grand Rapids area. The vaccine will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Cost, Payment, Insurance and Vaccine Options
The cost of this year's flu vaccine injection is $30 at VNA clinics; $35 at urgent care locations and Spectrum Health Medical Group or mmpc primary care provider offices. Cash and checks are accepted at VNA clinics. Cash, checks and credit cards can be used at Spectrum Health Medical Group and mmpc offices and urgent care centers. All locations can bill a number of insurance programs. Some insurance companies cover some or all of the cost of the vaccine. VNA offers a flu mist nasal inhaler as an alternative to the injection for $35. Preservative-free flu shots are available through VNA, but must be scheduled by appointment by calling 616.486.3050. Pneumonia injections are also available for $55.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
For the first time, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone older than six months be vaccinated for the flu. CDC is encouraging people to be vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available, as this is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. This year's flu vaccine is will offer protection against H1N1 (swine flu) virus, in addition to two other flu viruses that are expected to be in circulation this fall and winter.
Visit cdc.gov/flu for more information about the flu and the flu vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions. Visit flu.gov for one-stop access to US Government flu information.
Flu Helpline
Call the Flu Helpline at 616.486-3939 with questions.
Flu Clinic Schedule
See the latest flu clinic schedule to find out when you can get the vaccine in your community.
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