Respiratory Illness Vaccines are Available at BHSJ CHA

Monday October 14, 2024

The Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency has COVID-19, Flu, RSV, Pneumonia, and Pertussis vaccines available at all of our offices.

This year the agency is able to accept many Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part B, and Part D plans. Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from this season’s respiratory illnesses by calling to make an appointment to get their vaccines.

“While no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness, vaccines decrease the potential for serious illness, hospitalization, and death. The current Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been designed to provide protection from the currently circulating variants.” says Dr. Karen Luparello, Medical Director. “Now is a great time to schedule vaccination at our office, your primary care provider’s office, or local pharmacy. We continue to encourage residents to talk to their provider or one of our agency’s public health nurses if they have any questions about which vaccinations are right for them.”

RSV vaccine is recommended for infants from birth to 6 months of age. Pertussis and Pneumonia vaccines are recommended for infants starting at 2 months of age. Flu and COVID vaccines are recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older.  High dose influenza vaccine is recommended for those 65 years and older. Discuss with your provider which vaccines are right for you and your family, and which vaccines can be given at the same appointment.

With changes to COVID vaccine, contact your insurance carrier to determine coverage and where you can get a vaccine at low or no cost. If COVID vaccination is not covered by insurance, or you have no insurance, or there is a co-pay, call your local health department office to schedule an appointment.

BHSJ CHA has programs which may offer free vaccinations; Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for infants and children through age 18, and the Adult Vaccine Program (MI-AVP) for persons 19 and older. These programs are offered to qualifying families or individuals who are not insured, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of certain immunizations.

Currently, the agency can offer Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccine. Vaccine supply is limited, please call your local office and schedule an appointment.

• Branch County: 517-279-9561 ext. 198

• Hillsdale County: 517-437-7395 ext. 398

• St. Joseph County: 269-273-2161 ext. 298

In addition to vaccination, stopping the spread of germs is important for the prevention of respiratory illnesses. The following actions can keep germs at bay:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• While sick, stay home or limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must go out, consider wearing a mask to protect others.

• The CDC recommends that you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medication, except to get medical care or for other necessities. Take added precautions over the next 5 days when returning to work or school.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.