The Christian County Health Department on Thursday began administering the updated COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna. The shot is available on a walk-in basis during regular hours.
The cost for the single-dose vaccine is $20. The health department will handle billing for anyone who has private insurance, department spokeswoman Cloie Rager said in a press release.
The health department, at 1700 Canton St., is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:40 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Fridays.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
“Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death,” a CDC press release states. “Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. “
Updated vaccines also are available at the Hopkinsville Walgreens, 2901 Fort Campbell Blvd. The store is offering shots from Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax, and is a participant in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Appointment availability can be checked online or by calling the store at 270-886-0128.
Flu shots, COVID tests also available
The health department is also administering regular flu shots. The cost is $30 for a regular dose and $50 for a high dose (age 65 and older). Insurance is accepted.
“Patients can receive both COVID-19 and flu vaccines in the same day if desired. Those who have recently had COVID-19 are eligible for vaccines once they are fully recovered from the virus,” the release states. “We encourage all individuals to stay up to date on both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other important vaccinations.”
The health department also has at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits available at the front dest. There is no charge for the test kits.
As of Sept. 25, every U.S. household is also once again eligible to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. They can be ordered at covid.gov/tests.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
