The Oswego County Health Department (OCHD) hosts a walk-in clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6 for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, there will be a clinic for any immunization from 12:30 to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

Weekly clinics continue by appointment only. Beginning the week of Nov. 13, COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics will be offered on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday clinics will continue to offer any immunizations from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Vaccinations offered include the 2023-2024 Moderna monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, along with this year’s flu vaccine and other immunizations. All clinics are held at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic located at 70 Bunner St., Oswego.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the updated COVID-19 vaccine improves protection and targets the current variants.

“The COVID-19 virus, like the flu, changes over time as it spreads from person to person,” said Oswego County Supervising Public Health Nurse Jennifer Purtell. “Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine helps your body recognize the virus and fight it off. It’s important to remember it’s normal to experience fever, chills or feeling tired for a day or two after your shot. This lets you know the vaccine is working.

“As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to stay up to date on all of your vaccines, not just COVID-19,” she added. “Families and individuals can get COVID-19 and flu vaccines in a single visit.”

The 2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available for ages 6 months and up at health department clinics.

The cost of the monovalent COVID-19 vaccine is covered by most insurances. OCHD accepts the following insurances: UMR POMCO Select; Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; Fidelis Care; UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans; Medicaid and Medicare.

There will be no out-of-pocket costs for those with one of these participating insurance plans. People with insurance coverage other than those listed may have to pay up front and submit a receipt to their insurer for reimbursement. No one is turned away due to the inability to pay.

Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms are very similar and can be difficult to identify. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test and contacting your health care provider.

Residents can be tested for COVID-19 at your local urgent care and at some pharmacies. Free COVID-19 test kits are available to order by visiting https://www.covid.gov/tests or for pick up at the Oswego County Health Department during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about the latest COVID-19 news including the vaccine and free COVID-19 test kits visit the OCHD’s website at https://health.oswegocounty.com/ or call 315-349-3547.

To make an appointment for a vaccine clinic, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547 during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/1_preventive/imm.php.