Health Department
Immunizations
Immunizations protect our bodies against germs. Vaccines against infectious diseases generally contain weakened or dead viruses or bacteria specific to the disease. The vaccine helps our bodies to protect us by recognizing and fighting off germs each time we come in contact with someone who is sick.
Children are required to have certain vaccinations before they may be enrolled in Missouri childcare centers or schools. For information about immunization requirements, see the Immunization Requirements for Children Enrolled In Missouri Child Care and Preschool Facilities and the Missouri School Immunization Requirements*.
Last year the Hickory County Health Department gave 1,464 immunizations.
Flu Shots
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include a fever, headache, tiredness, a dry cough or a sore throat. You may also have a stuffy nose and body aches. Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year, and most recover within two weeks. People 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and young children are more likely to get complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.
The flu is spread when a person who has it coughs, sneezes, or talks, sending flu virus into the air where other people breathe it in. It can also be spread when people touch a contaminated surface like a door handle or a faucet, and then touch their nose or mouth. A yearly flu shot can prevent much of the sickness and death caused by the flu. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn who should get a flu shot.
Flu shot clinic dates will be posted in October.
* PDF document