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Madison County Health urges early flu shots, outlines local services
Summary
Madison County Health representatives urged residents to get flu shots before the holidays, said shingles shots are recommended at age 50, and described current COVID-19 booster guidance and available local services including vaccinations, WIC, vital records and environmental health inspections.
Madison County Health advised Jackson-area residents to get flu vaccinations before holiday gatherings to ensure protection by peak season, which staff said typically ramps up around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Janet, a representative of Madison County Health, told the program that the department recently simplified its public name from "Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department" to "Madison County Health" but that services remain unchanged. She listed available services including childhood and adult vaccinations, WIC, vital records (birth certificates and immunization records), women’s health services and environmental health inspections of restaurants and food trucks. The office address given was 804 North Parkway and Madison County Health said vaccinations generally require an appointment (phone (731) 423-3020); some services such as picking up vital records do not.
On seasonal immunizations, Madison County Health recommended getting the flu shot before holiday travel and gatherings because it takes about two weeks for immunity to build. The representative said the vaccine is updated annually and usually reduces the risk of severe illness or hospitalization; "it takes flu from wild to mild," she said.
The department confirmed it offers the shingles vaccine, recommended beginning at age 50, and said Pfizer and Moderna remain producers of COVID-19 vaccines. Madison County Health said it currently offers Moderna for COVID-19 boosters; officials explained that federal agencies adjusted guidance this year and that COVID-19 booster decisions should be made in consultation with a personal physician, with particular emphasis on people 65 and older or those with underlying conditions.
Madison County Health asked residents to call ahead for appointments for most clinical services and to consult their providers about COVID-19 booster eligibility. The segment closed with staff reminding listeners that the department serves the region (not only Madison County residents) and that many routine public-health services continue to be available.
