Oswego County Health Department Offers Flu Shots for Residents

by Contributor | October 1, 2025 11:08 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department offers influenza vaccination clinics to residents this fall by appointment only. Beginning on Friday, Oct. 3, clinics will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday and Friday at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic located at 70 Bunner St. in Oswego.

“We never know exactly when flu season will start, so getting your vaccine early and giving your body a couple of weeks to build up immunity gives you the best chance of preventing the misery the virus can bring,” said Oswego County Director of Public Health Vera Dunsmoor.

While anyone can get the flu or experience serious problems with it at any age, some people are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications than others. Those high-risk individuals include children under the age of 5, seniors over the age of 65, and those who are pregnant or living with chronic medical conditions.

Oswego County Medical Director Dr. Christina Liepke said, “A total of 279 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2024-2025 season have been reported to CDC. This is the highest number of pediatric deaths reported in any non-pandemic influenza season since the condition became reportable in 2004.”

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[1], getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting sick and prevent serious illness and death related to influenza.

The agency recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. Those aged 65 years or older should receive the high-dose vaccine, which contains four times the antigen for each virus compared with standard-dose vaccines. Seniors are asked to call ahead to check on the availability of the high-dose vaccine before coming in.

Practicing these other everyday health activities can also help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Covering your mouth while coughing and sneezing
• Sanitizing frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding hand-to-eye and hand-to-mouth contact
• Staying home when you are sick.

The COVID-19 vaccine will also be available for those age 6 months and older by appointment. Residents are reminded that both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are available at many local pharmacies and personal health care providers as well.

The cost of the influenza vaccine ranges from $44-$92 depending on vaccine type and is covered by most insurances. COVID-19 vaccines ranges from $129-$142 based on the type of vaccine.

The Oswego County Health Department accepts the following insurances: UMR POMCO Select; Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; Empire Plan; Fidelis; United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans; Aetna Medicare Advantage; American Progressive; Humana PPO; Lifetime Benefit Solutions; WellCare Today’s Options; Medicaid and Medicare.

Please bring your insurance cards with you to your appointment. People with insurances other than those listed may have to pay out of pocket and submit a receipt to their insurer for reimbursement. No one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

Please call 315-349-3547 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to schedule an appointment. To learn more about influenza or other clinics and services, go to https://health.oswegocounty.com/[2].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/public-notification/oswego-county-health-department-offers-flu-shots-for-residents-2/

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