Kewanee Area Residents Have Multiple Opportunities for fall Health Protection
KEWANEE, IL – Area residents face the onset of fall with several options to safeguard their health, including healthcare enrollment assistance, flu vaccinations, and a focus on overall wellness. Recent changes in Medicaid coverage and qualifying life events trigger special enrollment periods for health insurance,while preventative measures like flu shots and attention to lung health are crucial as the season progresses.
Navigating Health Coverage Changes
Individuals experiencing qualifying life events-such as losing Medicaid coverage, divorce, turning 26, getting married, having a baby, moving, becoming a U.S. citizen, or leaving incarceration-may be eligible for a special enrollment period through the Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace. Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage also qualifies individuals for enrollment assistance. Get Covered Illinois Navigators are available to help with the enrollment process; contact them at 309-852-5272.
Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on October 17
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in conjunction with First Choice Healthcare and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management, will host a Drive-Thru Adult Flu Shot Clinic on Friday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Henry & Stark County Health Department’s west Parking Lot, 110 N. Burr Blvd. in Kewanee.
The clinic is for adults 18 years of age and older only, and vaccinations will be administered on a drive-thru basis only-no walk-ups will be accommodated. Participants must have working car windows and bring their Medicare and/or insurance card, along with $60 cash or check for payment.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination as flu activity typically peaks in the U.S. between January and February. This year, the Health Department will administer the 3-component Trivalent seasonal flu shot, believed to offer extensive protection against influenza. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older, with a strong emphasis on those at high risk of complications, including small children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, smokers, people with heart and lung disease, healthcare workers, and those 65 years and older.
Prioritizing Lung health and Mental Wellness
Alongside flu prevention, maintaining healthy lungs is vital. Avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants, alongside regular exercise, contributes to respiratory wellness. Equally crucial is prioritizing mental health. Resources for mental wellness are available through various community organizations and healthcare providers.
For more information on the flu clinic, contact First Choice Healthcare Clinics at 309-852-5272 or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com.
