Seasonal Health Information

Influenza

Influenza vaccines for the general public will be available beginning Tuesday, October 10. The following locations will have flu shot vaccines available:

Broadlawns Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy
Main Campus, East Building, Ground Floor
1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines
All operating hours – M-F: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.,
SAT: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Broadlawns Cityville Clinic
580 SW 9th Street, Suite 100, Des Moines
All operating hours – M-F: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m;
SAT/SUN: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.

Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake
2970 University Avenue, Des Moines
All operating hours – M-F: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
SAT: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.

East University Clinic
2508 E. University Avenue, Des Moines
Existing appointments or nurse visits available for current patients, M-F: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Walk-ins not accepted at this time.

Family Health Center
1761 Hickman Road, Des Moines
Existing appointments or nurse visits available for current patients, M-F: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Walk-ins not accepted at this time.

Primary Care
Main Campus, Medical Office Building, Ground Floor
1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines
By appointment only for existing patients,
M-F: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Walk-ins not accepted at this time.

For existing patients, the Oncology Center, Pulmonary Clinic, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Women’s Health Center will administer during existing appointments. In some locations, nurse visits may be available. Please contact your primary provider’s office for more information. 

CDC Information

According to the CDC, the months of September and October are the best time to get a flu vaccine. Routine and flu vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older and are updated annually.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that affect your nose, throat, and lungs. For some people, flu symptoms may be severe, and can lead to hospitalization.  Even if you are not at high risk for severe symptoms, the virus could spread to someone who is at high risk. By being immunized, you are helping protect yourself and your community

If you are immunocompromised, have an egg allergy, or have experienced an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, please consult with your provider. Options may still be available for you!

If you have recently experienced COVID-19 or another acute illness, please defer your influenza vaccine until you have fully recovered. Additional details regarding COVID-19 vaccinations will be made available in the near future.

For additional information or questions, please visit with your primary care provider.

COVID-19 Information and Resource

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

  • Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
  • Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
  • Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

When to Seek Medical Attention for COVID-19

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

COVID Resources