Diseases that once crippled and killed are now prevented by receiving appropriate immunizations. Due to vaccinations, childhood diseases that commonly occurred in great numbers are rarely seen today in the United States.

Children 18 years of age and younger may receive vaccines at MCHC. Vaccines are provided to children who are uninsured, children whose insurance does not cover the vaccine, the dollar limit of the covered vaccines has been reached or who are covered by MO Health Net (Medicaid). These vaccines are provided through the Vaccines for Children Program.*

*Some private insurances can be billed for Tdap and meningococcal vaccines that are required for school.

• Consent from the parent or legal guardian is required for children under the age of 18.

• Bring the child’s up-to-date immunization record to the appointment.

The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, health conditions, and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against:

• Seasonal influenza (flu) (for all adults)

• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) (for all adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine)

• Shingles (for adults 50 years and older)

• Pneumococcal disease (for adults with specific conditions such as asthma/smokers, and all adults age 65 years and older)

The Health Center can offer most vaccines for persons 18 and older who have no insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine. The Health Center can also bill some insurances for most of the recommended adult vaccines. Cost of vaccines can vary depending on individual’s need for vaccine and insurance.

Influenza virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. Young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions – such as heart, lung, and kidney disease, and people with weakened immune systems can get much sicker. It is especially important for these persons to get flu shots.

Symptoms of influenza are fever/chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. Each year thousands of people die from influenza and even more require hospitalization.

Influenza vaccine is recommended every year for everyone 6 months of age and older. Flu vaccines at the Health Department are available for anyone 6 months of age and older:

• No insurance

• Insurance does not cover

• MO Health Net (Medicaid)

• Most private insurances can be billed for flu vaccine

To find out more about flu, visit: www.cdc.gov/flu.

Anyone traveling out of the United States may be at risk for exposure to diseases that are uncommon in this country. For more information about appropriate international travel vaccination and other recommendations on safe travel, visit www.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx. This site has also has information about where the closest clinics are located that have vaccines that are not routinely available at local doctor offices or Health Departments.