In light of it being National Influenza Vaccination Week as recognized by the Center for Disease Control, Guthrie County Hospital wants to remind local residents that it’s not too late to get your flu shots if you haven’t already received one.

Clinical Director Tina Norris says the hospital still has plenty of vaccinations in stock at all of its locations, and while she hasn’t seen many cases of the flu in Guthrie County to this point in the flu season, we are approaching its “peak activity” time in the weeks ahead.

Norris says residents should be committed to getting a flu shot every year no matter how late it is in the season, and she explains why this week’s national observation for influenza vaccinations is so important.

“We try really hard to get everybody immunized with the flu vaccine–it can be so helpful in preventing illness.  I think it’s great that there is a national campaign for getting that recognition out there, making people aware that it is a vaccine that you have to get every year… so even if you got it last year you still need to get it this year (because) the strains are updated in the vaccine to prevent you from getting this year’s strain of the virus.”

Any residents who would like to receive a flu shot can contact the Guthrie County Hospital to schedule an appointment–the main line number is 641-332-2201.

Cost for a flu vaccination at the hospital is $35.  Insurance companies can be billed if you have flu shots covered under your preventative benefits package.