MONROE (WIFR) -- Every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illness, doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. To keep the community healthy, Monroe Clinic suggests everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated at an up-coming flu clinic. This flu vaccine will protect against H1N1, influenza B and H3N2 virus.

Monroe Clinic will also offer a Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination (PPSV) at all branch locations except for Monroe Clinic-FastCare. PPSV is a vaccine used to prevent pneumonia, pneumococcus and septicaemia. It is recommended for adults 65 years of age or older, adults with chronic health problems, smokers and children older than 2 years with serious health conditions. Ask your healthcare provider if you qualify for PPSV.

A new high-dose influenza vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, designed specifically for people 65 years and older will be available this year for the first time. Studies have shown the vaccine offers older adults a better immune response and therefore better protection against flu. Ask your provider for details.

If paying by cash or check, the cost for the regular or high dose flu shot is $30 and $72 for the pneumonia vaccination. Both vaccinations may also be covered by insurance with the presentation of a Medicare, Medical Assistance or insurance card. Individuals are encouraged to wear short sleeves or a shirt with sleeves that can roll up to the shoulder to improve the administration of the flu shot.

Monroe Clinic’s seasonal flu clinics are available on the following dates and times:

Monroe Clinic
Founders Hall–clinic lower level
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome.
Wednesday, Sep 28 4 – 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sep 29 4 – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sep 30 4 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 1 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 13 4 – 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 14 4 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 15 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monroe Clinic
Pediatrics–clinic lower level
Ages 6 months – 18 years. Appointment needed. Call 608-324-2337.
Thursday, Oct 6 8 – 11:45 a.m.; 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct 18 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct 25 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 27 8 – 11:45 a.m.; 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 3 8 – 11:45 a.m.; 1-4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov 9 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 17 1 – 4:45 p.m.
Friday, Nov 18 8 – 11:45 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov 29 1 – 4:45 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Albany
Appointment needed. Call 608-862-1616.
Tuesday, Sep 27 1 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct 4 1 – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Blanchardville
Appointment needed. Call 608-523-4261.
Thursday, Sep 29 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Brodhead
Appointment needed. Call 608-897-2191.
Thursday, Oct 20 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov 15 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 17 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Durand
Appointment needed. Call 815-248-3443.
Tuesday, Nov 1 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Freeport Clinic
Appointment needed. Call 815-235-1406.
Friday, Oct 21 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct 27 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov 18 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–Lena
Appointment needed. Call 815-369-4541.
Wednesday, Oct 5 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct 18 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov 23 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov 29 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–New Glarus
Appointment needed. Call 608-527-5296.
Tuesday, Sep 27 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct 10 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe Clinic–FastCare
Monroe SHOPKO – 405 W. 8th Street
Adults only. No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome. Flu vaccination only.
Wednesday, Oct 5 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov 2 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control online at www.cdc.gov/flu for complete vaccine guidelines and recommendations. Call the flu clinic hotline at 608-324-1579 or contact your primary care provider for further questions.