ADEL, Iowa — During the winter months, rates of respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, often rise. For some people, these illnesses are inconvenient. For others, they cause severe illness leading to hospitalization and long-term health consequences.
Together we can reduce the risk of illness for ourselves, our families, and our community.
The Dallas County Public Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this fall to protect them against severe illness when germs are circulating widely later this winter.
The health department also recommends that older adults and parents of very young children talk with their primary health care provider about RSV and what vaccines or preventative therapeutics may be available.
Most people will be able to receive their seasonal vaccines at their primary health care provider or local pharmacy. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
There are two additional programs available to assist people who are uninsured or who have insurance that does not cover vaccines: the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and the Bridge Access program.
The VFC program covers the cost of routine childhood immunizations, as well as flu and COVID-19 vaccines, for children 18 years and younger who meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Medicaid eligible
- Uninsured
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Underinsured
The Dallas County Public Health Department and some primary health care providers participate in the VFC program. This fall, eligible children ages 6 months and older will be able to receive their flu shot, and eligible children ages 12 years and older will be able to receive their COVID-19 shot through the VFC program at the Dallas County Public Health Department.
The Bridge Access program covers the cost of COVID-19 shots for adults 18 years and older who meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Uninsured
- Underinsured
The Dallas County Health Department, and some retail pharmacies, are participating in the Bridge Access program. This fall, eligible adults age 19 and older will be able to receive their COVID-19 shot through the Bridge Access program at the Dallas County Public Health Department.
The Dallas County Public Health Department will also be offering flu shots to anyone 6 months and older. Flu shots not covered by the VFC program will cost $30 and can be billed to a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan or paid with cash, card or check.
To schedule an immunization appointment with the Dallas County Public Health Department, call 515-993-3750. Walk-in appointments are not available at this time.
People are encouraged to seek credible information when making decisions about seasonal vaccines. Look to primary health care providers, local public health teams, the Iowa Health and Human Services agency (HHS) or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information to help inform vaccine decisions.
