Saint Joseph Health System and Berrien County Health Department offer vaccinations ahead of holiday season

Saint Joseph Health System is hosting their last flu shot clinic on Thursday, Nov. 14, at their Mishawaka location from 3 to 6 p.m. for anyone over the age of 11.

Individuals who need a flu shot are asked to bring a canned good to support the Sister Maura Brannick Food Pantry.

The food pantry also has a health center of the same name that they use as a safety net for patients who are uninsured.

Saint Joseph Health System Department of Community and Well-Being has already administered nearly a thousand flu shots combining efforts to reduce the spread while alleviating food insecurity.

Indiana has seen 2200 reported Covid cases in the last two weeks and 1800 flu cases, according to the state dashboard.

Latorya Greene, Director of Community Health and Well-being at Saint Joseph Health System, encourages her community to take advantage of this flu shot clinic.

“We know people may think even when it comes to Covid that things are going down. We're not hearing about it in the news as much, but it’s definitely still out there," said Greene “We really still encourage people to get their flu shots as well as get your Covid vaccinations as well too, but whatever vaccinations it is that you need to get, definitely have that conversation with your doctor. But just make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations.”

The Berrien County Health Department is also offering flu and Covid vaccines by appointment for children up to seniors.

According to the health department, flu cases are low and nowhere near past years before the winter spike, so it’s important to get vaccinated after or before visiting friends and families for the holidays to reduce the spread.

However, Michigan has seen an increase in pediatric flu cases, including one tragic death reported last week

Fourteen percent of Berrien County adults have already been vaccinated, and although the flu shot does not guarantee you not to catch the virus, it will help prevent negative outcomes.

Saint Joseph Health System Department of Community and Well-Being has plans to collaborate with local organizations to bring medical resources to the workplace to prevent absence from work to receive care.

Insurance normally covers vaccines but if you are uninsured you are encouraged to contact Berrien County Health Department to explore your options.