Signature Health Providing Free Flu Vaccines for Children

Cleveland, OH (January 8, 2020)- Signature Health is now providing free vaccines for children, including the flu shot, through their Free Vaccines for Children program.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federally-funded program overseen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Locally, the program funds are administered by the Ohio Department of Health.

Any child from birth through 18 years of age is eligible to receive a VFC-supplied vaccine if he/she meets at least one of the following criteria:

• The child does not have health insurance.
• The child is enrolled in Medicaid (including Medicaid HMOs).
• The child is an American Indian or Alaskan Native.
• The child has health insurance that does not pay for vaccine (applicable only to children attending a Federally Qualified Health Center (Signature Health), Rural Health Clinic or local health department).

The flu shot, along with other common vaccines, are offered free of charge to eligible children at all Signature Health locations across Northeast, Ohio. Adults may also get the flu shot (along with other necessary vaccines) at Signature Health. We accept Medicare and Medicaid and bill on a sliding scale fee for adult vaccines. Patients can call us at (440) 578-8200 to learn more, or schedule an appointment.

To avoid getting the flu, please refer to the below tips and quick informational video from our Director of Primary Care, Dr. Todd Wagner:

https://youtu.be/G0B4KBhhkww

Tips to avoid getting the flu:

1. Get the flu shot. Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing you can do to avoid getting the flu this season. We recommend patients get the flu shot starting in October, but it’s never “too late” to get the shot. Flu season starts in November, peaks in January and February, and cases have even been reported into the month of May.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly, and more often! The flu can be spread indirectly. For example, if someone coughs in their hand and opens the microwave door in your lunch room, and then you touch the microwave door, you could be at risk. It’s especially important to wash your hands before or after eating, after coughing (if you can remember, it’s best to not cough directly into your hands), and of course after using the restroom.
3. Minimize touching your face. Germs can easily spread by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth- and most of us do this without even realizing it. Try and be extra conscious to avoid this area, especially during flu season.
4. Disinfect common surfaces. Viruses that cause the cold and flu can live on common surfaces such as phones, door knobs, countertops, computer keyboards, etc. for up to 72 hours.
5. If at all possible, stay home if you are feeling sick. It may be tempting to go into work and push through your symptoms, but this is also a great way to spread the flu to your co-workers.

To schedule an appointment for vaccines, click here.

About Signature Health

Founded in 1992, Signature Health Inc. is a community-based agency providing primary medical care, mental health, and substance abuse services to people of all ages. With six locations across Northeast, Ohio, Signature Health is dedicated to both their staff and the communities they serve by offering their clients only the highest quality services. Through walk-in assessments at all of their locations, they are able to help clients when they “Need Help Now.” Signature Health is designated a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), which allows them to not only focus on behavioral health, but also on the general health and wellness of people with behavioral health issues. As a result, Signature Health continues to grow and expand their primary care service offerings. For more information about Signature Health, visit www.signaturehealthinc.org or call (216) 766-6080.