With seasonal influenza activity at high levels across the United States and in Kane County, the Kane County Health Department is making flu shots available to the public.

Shots are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Aurora walk-in clinic at 1240 N. Highland Ave.

The KCHD weekly influenza surveillance report for the week ending Dec. 28 showed 8.5% of emergency room visits in the county were related to influenza-like illness, up from 6% the previous week.

The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for flu increased to 26.4% from the previous week’s report of 19.1%.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu and its potentially serious complications.

Even though flu season is now in full swing, it is not too late to benefit from the flu shot.

No appointment is necessary at the KCHD clinic, but supplies are limited. While most public insurance covers the cost of the shot, KCHD applies a small administration fee.

Out-of-pocket cost per shot for those without public insurance will be $23.87. KCHD does not accept private insurance.

To access the KCHD weekly influenza reports, and for more facts about influenza, see this page of the KCHD website. For more information, contact the Kane County Health Department’s immunization phone line at 630-444-3188.

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About The Kane County Health Department

The Kane County Health Department was formed in 1985 by resolution of the Kane County Board to promote, protect and advocate for health and wellness in the community. The main offices are in Aurora, with a satellite office in Elgin.

The Department is organized into the Division of Health Promotion, the Division of Disease Prevention and the Division of Community Health Resources. The vision of KCHD is to make Kane County residents the healthiest in Illinois by 2030.

For more information, visit KaneHealth.com or call 630-208-3801.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department news release