Flu shot clinics kick off at fair
Star-Bulletin staff
The Hawaii Medical Service Association will begin holding its annual community flu shot clinics at the Seniors' Fair Friday through Sunday on Oahu.
Flu and pneumococcal shots will be provided at the HMSA fair booth. Only flu shots will be offered at other community clinics.
Free shots will be given to HMSA, HMSA 65C Plus and HMSA QUEST members 18 and older while supplies last. Members must show their HMSA card and photo ID.
Medicare Part B beneficiaries who show their photo ID and Medicare card also will receive free shots. Immunizations will cost $35 for nonmembers.
Flu shots are recommended for all residents 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, workers providing direct care to patients, pregnant women, children ages 6 to 59 months, caregivers of children younger than 6 months old and people with chronic conditions such as heart or lung problems, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer or HIV/AIDS.
People who had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past, who are allergic to eggs or have Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare form of nerve damage), should consult their doctor before having a flu shot.
Shots should not be given to infants younger than 6 months or to anyone with a fever.
ISI Health Enhancement Services, an HMSA subsidiary, is conducting the flu shot clinics through early November on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
The clinics at the Seniors' Fair this weekend will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.