There’s still time to get vaccinated before holiday travel  

With the holiday travel and gathering season upon us, coupled with the winter season of colds, flu and other respiratory infections, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) would like to remind the public that having the added protection of a COVID-19 booster is vitally important. 

COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available at most CHC/SEK locations and are recommended for all adults 18 years and older if it has been 6 months since their last Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or 2 months since the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. 

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.   

The CDC is urging the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness.

There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.  

To speed the process and to prevent vaccine waste, (open vials have a short shelf life) the clinic encourages those wishing vaccinations to schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Additionally, CHC/SEK will continue to offer vaccines at Walk-In Care visits and Primary Care visits.