Flu shots available at all PHD clinics

SANDPOINT — Panhandle Health District is offering flu vaccine at all of their five North Idaho locations, including Sandpoint.

"As with all preventative care, it’s still important for you and your loved ones to receive this year’s flu vaccine," PHD officials said in a press release.

In addition, this year PHD is offering drive-thru flu clinics in three locations:

• Hayden – 8500 N. Atlas Rd., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 30 & Oct. 7

Sandpoint – Travers Park 2102 Pine St. (across the street from the health district building)

9am – 4pm, September 30th & October 7th

St. Maries – Cormana Building 1101 Idaho Ave.

10am – 3pm, October 1st & October 22nd

These are convenient as anyone attending does not need to leave their vehicle. PHD staff will take all necessary precautions to keep everyone safe during the process. They are offering adult vaccine and high-dose vaccine for seniors at the drive-thru clinics. Call the clinic to let them know you plan to attend the drive-thru clinic so they can be sure to have you on the schedule. For pediatric flu vaccine, please call to schedule an appointment at the clinic nearest you.

This fall and winter, PHD expects that both the flu virus and COVID-19 will be circulating, so it’s important for everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and others. It is possible to have the flu and COVID-19, or other respiratory illnesses, at the same time. Experts expect those occurrences to be rare, but could still happen. Many symptoms of the flu are similar to COVID-19, so it may be hard to tell what you have become ill with. Seeking testing in these circumstances will help determine how you should move forward with self-isolating and managing your symptoms. The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, so testing will confirm the diagnosis.

One distinct symptom of COVID-19 that is not similar to flu symptoms is the new loss of taste or smell. That particular symptom does not occur with the flu and individuals experiencing that symptom should consult with their provider.

It’s recommended that individuals receive a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. If you are unable to get a flu shot prior to the end of October, it is still important to receive one as the vaccine will protect you throughout the remainder of the flu season.

In Idaho, there were 39 influenza-related deaths in the 2019-2020 season. Of those, 9 occurred in our area.

Call your local PHD clinic to schedule an appointment for your flu shot today. For more information on the flu, visit www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org. Flu shots can also be found using vaccinefinder.org.