JCPH Announces Fall Flu Vaccination Events
This year has been a challenging time for the Jefferson County community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever for residents to do everything they can to remain as healthy as possible. As we enter flu season, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages people to get their flu vaccine, as it is one more way to protect you and your family and give you some peace of mind.
While it’s important to get your flu shot every season, 2020 is an especially important year to get vaccinated to protect from the compounding health problems of flu and COVID-19. Having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could make you more susceptible to serious complications, and while no one ever wants to be hospitalized, hospitalization during the novel coronavirus pandemic means facilities may be strained for resources and equipment, as well as have stricter visitation guidelines.
To help meet the need within our community for increased vaccination, JCPH will be hosting vaccination clinics throughout the remainder of the year.
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m. – Free Adult Flu Clinic and Food Bank at the Arvada Head Start/Carin’ Clinic 5150 Allison St., Arvada, CO 80002
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – All ages flu clinic at Jefferson County Public Health, 645 Parfet St., Lakewood CO 80215 (please call ahead to make an appointment – walk-in appointments available)
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Free Adult Flu Clinic at Charles E. Whitlock Recreation Center 1555 Dover St., Lakewood, CO 80215
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Shots for Tots and Teens Clinic (all childhood vaccines available) Arvada Fire Training Center 6651 Indiana St., Arvada, CO 80007 (please call ahead to make an appointment)
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – All ages flu clinic at Jefferson County Public Health, 645 Parfet St., Lakewood CO 80215 (please call ahead to make an appointment – walk-in appointments available)
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 3-7 p.m. – Jeffco Public Schools Immunization Clinic at Ken Caryl Middle School (all childhood vaccines available), 6509 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128 (please call ahead to make an appointment)
- Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Shots for Tots and Teens Clinic (all childhood vaccines available) Arvada Fire Training Center 6651 Indiana St., Arvada, CO 80007 (please call ahead to make an appointment)
- Thursday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – All ages flu clinic at Jefferson County Public Health, 645 Parfet St., Lakewood CO 80215 (please call ahead to make an appointment – walk-in appointments available)
- Thursday, Dec. 17, 3-7 p.m. – Jeffco Public Schools Immunization Clinic at Creighton Middle School (all childhood vaccines available), 50 S Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80226 (please call ahead to make an appointment)
Influenza is a serious disease that results in deaths and hospitalizations in Colorado each year. During the last flu season, more than 3,500 Coloradans were hospitalized from the flu and three children died, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every flu season with rare exceptions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu vaccine is safe and effective and is the best protection against the flu, reducing the risk of hospitalization in adults and pregnant women by 40 percent, according to the CDC. Most people who get the flu vaccine have no side effects, and the vaccine does not cause the flu.
Some people are more at risk for the flu including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with some chronic health conditions. Older adults and those with chronic health conditions are also at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, so it’s especially important to stay safe this flu season.
Flu shots are available now at many healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics, including the JCPH clinic at 645 Parfet Street in Lakewood. Appointments at JCPH are available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. by calling 303-239-7078. In addition to the flu vaccine, all childhood vaccines are available, and appointments are often available for same or next day. To get your flu vaccine, contact your healthcare provider’s office, local public health agency or you can find local vaccine providers at VaccineFinder.org. For more information on influenza in Colorado, visit fluvaxcolorado.org.