Dept. of Health offering low-cost flu vaccines for kids

The El Paso City Health Department is urging El Pasoans to start getting their flu shots. As the number of flu cases in our area has begun to pick up, officials with the Department of Public Health (DPH) want to make sure everyone six months and older gets vaccinated. The department is offering free and low-cost flu vaccines to those who qualify. For adults DPH “Vaccinations for Health” program will be providing free flu vaccines along with screenings throughout the month of October. Here is the list of dates, locations and times: Oct. 1: Station 17 8-11 a.m. 8803 Alameda Ave. Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: EPFD Safety, Health Outreach Center 1-6 p.m. 5415 Trowbridge Dr. Oct. 15: Station 18 8-11 a.m. 7901 San Jose Rd. DPH also has flu vaccines for children as well. They are available at DPH Immunization Centers around the city for just $10. To be eligible to receive Texas Vaccines For Children (TVFC) immunizations at the Department of Public Health Clinics, they must meet one of the eligibility criteria listed below: · Medicaid eligible · Uninsured: a child without health insurance coverage · American Indian or Alaskan Native · Enrolled in CHIP · Underinsured Underinsured definition from DSHS – A child who has commercial (private) health insurance, but coverage does not include vaccines. Take precautions to reduce your chance of getting the flu this season by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you’re sick. People can contact their health care provider, local health department, local pharmacy or click here the to find out where flu shots are available.