Health Department Opens 2025 Flu Shot Program

The Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has announced its seasonal influenza immunization program, offering both walk-in and community-based clinics to ensure residents across the county have access to flu vaccines this fall. Vaccinations got underway on September 23 at the department’s main facility, located at 2833 South Grand Avenue East in Springfield.

Walk-in clinic hours at the main campus are scheduled for Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, SCDPH will host outbound community clinics at various locations throughout Sangamon County. These include the Divernon Senior Center on September 25, Senior Services in Springfield and the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin on October 1, St. Jude’s Parish Center in Rochester on October 7, and the City of Athens on October 8. Additional clinics will be held at the Buffalo Community Center on October 9, the Williamsville Community Center on October 10, and Villa West in Sherman on October 17.

Public health officials are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with SCDPH, strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older receive their yearly flu shot to reduce the spread of influenza. The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract and spread easily through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms often include fever, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Health experts remind residents that it can take up to two weeks after receiving the vaccine for full protection to develop.

The flu season typically extends from October through May, and vaccination is the most effective way to protect against serious illness. SCDPH accepts a wide range of insurance providers, including Medicare Part B, Medicaid, Blue Cross, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Molina, Meridian, United Healthcare, and Health Alliance.

For more information about flu vaccinations, residents may call 217-535-3102 or visit the department’s website at www.scdph.org.