Last year, Jackson County residents who wanted a flu shot waited hours in long lines because of nationwide shortages. Looking to avoid the same problems this year, the Jackson County Health Department is initially offering the vaccine to only high-risk persons.

The Center for Disease Control defines a person at high risk for influenza as:persons 65 years and older, persons 2 to 64 with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and caregivers of children younger than 6 months.

Most University students are not at high risk for influenza complications, said Carla Griffin, Jackson County Health Department director of nursing.

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“Most SIU students are young and healthy enough to avoid serious complications,” Griffin said. “However, if the vaccine is plentiful, it wouldn’t hurt to get vaccinated.”

Although Griffin said most SIU students are safe, some students still feel the need to get vaccinated.

“I’ve already had (influenza) since I’ve been down here, so I definitely feel at risk,” said Sarah Shelton, a freshman studying journalism from Louisville, Ky. “I’m probably going to get vaccinated this year.”

Griffin said last year was abnormal because of a vaccine shortage, but in a normal year, the health department vaccinates up to 5,500 people.

The flu clinic will administer vaccinations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Carbondale Senior Adult Services building. There will also be a second vaccination opportunity from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Jackson County Health Department.

The department recommends checking for vaccine ability before attending any of the clinics by calling 684-3143, ext. 517. After Oct. 24, the vaccinations will be available to anyone.

The vaccine costs $28 and is covered by Medicare part B. State of Illinois employees at high risk who provide proper identification are eligible for free shots, and eligible children under 19 will be covered by Medicaid.

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Griffin said Jackson County did not have a major influenza outbreak, but the severity of the upcoming season is unknown.

“Last year, (Jackson County) had a few influenza cases. Some years are worse than other years, but we won’t know how bad it really is until around the holiday season.”

Reporter Jarel Loveless can be reached at [email protected].