Costa Howard-hosted flu/COVID vaccination clinic helps local residents protect themselves from illness
LOMBARD – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard co-hosted a flu shot/COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic that helped more than 80 local residents protect themselves from illness.
“We were overwhelmed – in a good way – by the public response,” Costa Howard said. “In fact, we ran out of flu shots because so many people showed up. It was gratifying to see people in our district taking action to protect themselves and those they love, and I’m looking forward to a repeat success next month.”
The vaccination clinic was held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center in Glen Ellyn. The clinic was co-sponsored by Jewel-Osco, the Glen Ellyn Park District, the Glen Ellyn Public Library, and the DuPage Health Coalition. The afternoon clinic provided more than 70 COVID-19 vaccine boosters and 20 flu shots to about 85 attendees.
“Even though DuPage County has one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation, the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” Costa Howard said. “Health officials are warning that we may have another COVID-19 surge in December, combined with the possibility of a more virulent winter flu season. So it was a good thing that so many people took the time to get their shots on Saturday – myself included!”
COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots are available free of charge at local hospitals, pharmacies, and DuPage County Health Department locations; health insurance coverage is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. There is a charge for flu shots, but there is no out-of-pocket cost for those covered by Medicare or a PPO health insurance plan. The DuPage Health Coalition will provide vouchers to cover flu vaccination costs for those who are uninsured.
Costa Howard will announce the date of her December vaccination clinic soon. In the meantime, anyone who needs more information on getting vaccinated may call her office at (630) 812-9494 or send an email to [email protected].