Flu season is here, and that means it’s time to get the flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this potentially serious public health threat.

The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends individuals receive their vaccinations by the end of October, although people are encouraged to receive it at any time. Providers will continue to offer vaccinations as long as flu viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccines are available.

According to the CDC, flu vaccines this year have been updated to combat the viruses expected to be circulating in the United States. All doses are a quadrivalent, which means the vaccine is prepared to protect individuals against four different strains of the influenza virus.

Multiple flu clinics, pharmacies, and local health departments are providing vaccinations across the state. Mercy College offers free flu shots to all students, staff, and faculty members that will start Friday, October 18.

About Dr. Joelle Stolte

Dr. Stolte is Mercy College of Health Sciences’ Public Health Program Chair and Assistant Professor. Dr. Stolte earned her Master of Public Health from Des Moines University, and her PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology from Walden University – College of Health Sciences. Dr. Stolte is a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA), Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA), Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), and National Environmental Health Organization (NEHA).

About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide-range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy College’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn how you can start a career focused on population health through a public health degree at Mercy College. Now accepting applications for spring 2020.