Hundreds of adults in Buchanan County turned out Wednesday for an influenza shot.

“It’s an opportunity for us to get out into the public,” said Stephanie Malita, Public Information Officer with the St. Joseph Health Dept.

The Health Dept. held it’s annual flu clinic at Green Valley Baptist Church. The clinic was open to Buchanan County residents 18 and older, and who are not pregnant. Malita said vaccine for children six months and older is offered at the health department. As of 10 a.m. around 200 vaccinations had already been given.

“We actually got started a little bit early because people where here early and we were ready,” said Malita.

This year’s vaccine is a closer match for the H3N2 strain associated with worse illness and higher mortality from the 2014-2015 flu season. According to the latest surveillance data, the same H3N2 strain continues to circulate.

“We’re hoping that by giving this vaccine this year we’ll be giving people the protection they need,” said Malita. “If you get your shot now you’re going to have protection through the flu season.”

She said the vaccine is good for six to nine months and that a spike in the virus is typically seen in January and February.

“With the Holidays coming up it’s a good idea to get vaccinated,” Malita said. “When people come they don’t always just bring luggage, they bring germs too.”

The department was closed Wednesday for around 35 staff members to aid in the clinic, several St. Joseph firefighters also assisted. Services at the Health Dept. resume Thursday, October 8th.