Brown County leaders roll up their sleeves to encourage community flu vaccinations

BROWN COUNTY – County Executive Troy Streckenbach and Brown County Health Officer Anna Nick received their yearly influenza vaccinations earlier this week at the Neville Public Museum, highlighting the important role each member of the community plays in improving overall community health.

“Getting an annual flu shot is a vital step in reducing illness in our community,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “A healthy community helps keep Brown County strong by protecting our friends, families, co-workers and ultimately our workforce and economy.”

Getting a flu shot protects both aids in preventing the flu from spreading in the community, but also in lessening the severity of symptoms experienced by vaccinated individuals.

“As we hit the respiratory season, flu and other respiratory illnesses are starting and they’re very serious…” said Public Health Nurse Julie Schoenrock. “If you get the flu shot, you may still get the flu, but the flu will be less severe.”

Flu season typically starts at the end of October and peaks in December and January, but with the flu vaccine taking roughly two weeks to kick in, now is the time to start making plans to get vaccinated.

Brown County Public Health recommends getting an updated flu vaccine every year because the influenza virus changes over time.

“Right now is the best time to get protection by getting the flu vaccine to protect against serious illnesses caused by the flu,” said Brown County Public Health Officer Anna Nick. “Now is a good time because it’s really not circulating yet, so that gives ample time to build up that immunity, which takes about two weeks. In December, if there are cases, there’s a chance that you can get the flu vaccine but still catch it within that two-week window.”

For community members interested in getting their flu shot, Brown County Public Health has several upcoming opportunities for both adults and children to receive free flu vaccinations, regardless of insurance status.

This Saturday, Oct. 25, adults and children can stop by the Neville Public Museum between 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to receive a flu shot and explore the offerings of other local resources including Birth to 3, Brown County Lead Coalition, Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W, the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Northeast Wisconsin Community Clinic and Streu’s Pharmacy
A children’s flu shot clinic for ages 6 months-18 years will be held at the Brown County Central Library on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4-6:30 p.m.

And Streckenbach himself can attest to the ease of the process.

“For the last number of years, I’ve participated in this,” Streckenbach said. “It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s just a matter of making the time to reach out to your provider to receive that shot.”