Immunizations at the Health Center

Fall & Winter 2023 Vaccine Update

(Updated 10/4/23)

COVID-19

In September 2023, CDC and FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines that offer the best available protection as we head into the winter season. Clay County Public Health Center is currently accepting appointments for the updated COVID-19 vaccine for anyone ages 6 months and older.

Recommendations for different groups:
- 6 months to 18 years: Children over the age of 6 months should receive at least one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as part of the recommended vaccination series. If your child has not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine, they should complete this year’s updated series as soon as possible.
- Adults 18+: To best protect against severe illness, adults should receive the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. If you are not yet vaccinated, you should complete this year’s updated series as soon as possible. If you have been previously vaccinated, you should get an updated vaccine, at least two months after your last dose. All adults should aim for vaccination by the end of October.
- Older Adults and Those with Compromised Immune Systems: CDC recommends adults age 65 and older to speak with their healthcare provider about receiving a second dose. People with compromised immune systems should receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and potentially additional doses, for increased immune protection, with the approval of their healthcare provider.
Novavax: CCPHC is not able to offer any Novavax doses at this time. We plan to offer the updated version in the coming weeks but are currently unable to begin scheduling appointments. Thanks for your patience.

Flu

CCPHC is currently accepting appointments for flu shots. We offer the annually updated flu vaccine that works for most people and the high dose flu vaccine for people 65+. It is recommended to get your annual flu shot by the end of October for optimal protection, however, getting it any time after that can still be highly beneficial.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. However, infants and older adults are more likely than others to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. That’s why we are excited that there are new options in 2023 to help protect the most vulnerable from this illness. At this time, CCPHC is not able to offer any of the following options but we highly encourage eligible people and parents of eligible children to speak with their healthcare provider about taking advantage of any options available to them.

Recommendations for different groups:
- Infants and young children: Most infants younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, should receive one dose of the Sanofi and AstraZeneca monoclonal antibody treatment, nirsevimab (Beyfortus), as soon as possible. Young children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season are also recommended to receive one dose of nirsevimab.
- Older adults: Adults ages 60 and older can receive their Abrysvo (Pfizer) or Arexvy (GSK) vaccine dose after speaking with their healthcare provider about personal health risks. This vaccine may be available at a pharmacy near you.
- Pregnant people: To maximize protection for babies after birth, CDC recommends seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. Read more and talk to your healthcare provider.

Can I safely get multiple vaccines at one time? According to CDC, it is safe and effective to receive multiple immunizations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, during the same vaccination appointment. Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting multiple vaccinations at one time.

What Vaccines We Offer

Updated list of vaccines offered at Clay County Public Health Center

Safety

We understand that making decisions about vaccination can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming process. Clay County Public Health Center is here to provide you with the reliable safety information you need to make informed choices for yourself and your loved ones. Find helpful information on our Vaccine Safety page.

Protection for Those Without Insurance Coverage

The following payment information is for anyone who does not have insurance or who is underinsured. Underinsured means that insurance does not pay for immunizations (all or some) or has a fixed dollar limit or cap for immunization coverage (does not include those with high or unmet deductibles).

Vaccines for Children

We carry Vaccines for Children (VFC), vaccines for the uninsured and underinsured, vaccines for purchase and we accept most major insurances. Please note that VFC does have an administration fee of $21 for non Medicaid clients and each additional vaccine given that day will be $15.

Vaccines for Adults

Through the 317 publicly funded program, CCPHC can offer free vaccination to uninsured and underinsured adults. Not all vaccines are available through 317 and there is a $21 administration fee for one vaccine and $15 for each additional vaccine given that day.

Important Update - Fall 2023: Through the Bridge to Access program, CCPHC can offer free COVID-19 vaccination to uninsured and underinsured adults. All costs, including administration fees, are waived.

Costs and Insurance

Fees vary by immunization. There is an administrative fee of $21 for your first vaccine and $15 for each additional vaccine given that day.

Immunizations Price List - Effective September 21, 2023

We accept Medicaid for adults as well as children. We also accept Medicare B for seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccines (no fees applied) and Medicare D for Tdap and Zostavax (client only pays the deductible).

The Clay County Public Health Center currently participates as a contracted provider with the insurance companies listed here:

Aetna
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KC*
Cigna
Humana
Medicaid
Medicare
Preferred Care Blue Risk
Tricare
United Health Care

*Card should have an image of a suitcase with PPO inside, at the bottom of the card.

Does your insurer cover services at the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC)? To verify whether your insurance plan covers services rendered at CCPHC, contact your insurance provider directly by visiting your provider's website or calling the phone number listed on your insurance identification card.

Clay County Public Health Center does not deny services based on inability to pay. If you are unable to afford a needed vaccine, please call for information on patient assistance programs at 816-595-4355.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

There are some requirements for certain age groups when coming in to receive vaccine(s):

An up-to-date immunization record must accompany all children 18 years of age and younger to receive any immunizations! If the child does not have an up-to-date immunization record, they may be refused services.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (Legal guardians must bring proof of guardianship).
If a child's parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany the child to the clinic for immunizations, they can give written permission to another adult (must be 18+) to bring the child to the clinic. You must bring one for each child you are sending in for immunizations. Also bring a completed screening question form.
- Download the Authorization for Consent to Immunize form to fill out, sign, and send with child(ren) to be immunized.
- Or you can write your own letter of permission (this is treated as a one time permission), but it must include the date and:
  - A phone number where parent/legal guardian can be reached
  - Child's name who will be receiving the immunization(s)
  - Name of the person accompanying the child
  - Parent/legal guardian's name - Please print and sign your name
  - Reason why you are sending the child in - for example: "I give consent for my child to receive any and all recommended immunizations"

Tips for locating old immunization records