MU Health Care urges patients to get vaccinated as Missouri enters flu season

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care experts are reminding the community that October is the time to re-up flu and COVID-19 immunizations to be ready for the winter season.

"While most people can recover easily from infections like flu and COVID, those vulnerable patients are more likely to end up with a severe disease, to end up in the hospital," MU Health Care Dr. Laura Morris said. "Thousands of Americans die from flu and from COVID on an ongoing basis, year to year, so vaccines are very helpful to reduce your risk."

According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, in 2024, Missouri faced one of the toughest cold and flu seasons to date, peaking at a little under 20,000 flu cases, the highest numbers seen in the past decade. Morris also reported a recent spike in COVID-19 cases at the start of the school year.

Sixty-seven influenza cases have been reported in the state for the week of Sept. 28 of this year with 10 cases reported in Boone County.

"We're trying to target that seasonal increase that we've seen in respiratory viruses, particularly the flu," Morris said. "COVID has not behaved quite as predictably, and sometimes we'll have COVID surges during the summer or the spring, but almost invariably we see a rise in these infections over the winter."

MU Health Care is offering several Flu and COVID vaccination events in October:

• Oct. 16 at the Boonville Family Medicine Clinic from 4-6 p.m.
• Oct. 16 at the Mexico Family Medicine Clinic from 5-7 p.m.
• Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 at the South Providence Medical Park from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Oct. 20 at the Fayette Family Medicine Clinic from 4 -6 p.m.
• Oct. 21 at the Keene St. Family Medicine Clinic from 5-7 p.m.
• Oct. 23 at the Ashland Family Medicine Clinic from 4:30-6:45 p.m.
• Oct. 25 at the Boonville Family Medicine Clinic from 9-11 a.m.
• Oct. 30 at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Flu shots will be available for those 6 months and older. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for adults 65 and older or for adults with qualifying conditions, following new CDC guidelines.

Those who are not a part of an at-risk or immunocompromised group but are still looking to get a COVID-19 booster shot may check in with their primary doctor or local pharmacy.

"We are targeting the high-risk folks for our drive-thru clinics and our pop-up after-hours clinics," Morris said. "Other folks, we want you to talk to your doctor and understand the risks and benefits of vaccination for COVID and a prescription might be necessary if you plan to get your vaccine at a pharmacy."