By Ashley Moser
SALT LAKE CITY — As the year goes deeper into flu season, funding for flu vaccinations at the Fourth Street Clinic begin to hit a low. This non-profit health care provider for Utah’s homeless needs to raise $8,000 by January for flu shots.
Clinic worker Jennifer Hyovnen says that as temperatures drop, the need for flu shots rise.
“The homeless population carry higher risk for complications due to flu,” Hynoynen said. “Usually there’s preexisting conditions and just the stresses of being homeless can cause people to have complications.”
A normal flu shot costs an average person $25, but for the Fourth Street Clinic, pharmacies discount the prices.
“$8 will purchase one flu vaccine, and $32 will vaccinate an entire family,” Hyovnen said.
For the homeless population, seeking shelter is a daily struggle, and unfortunately getting vaccinated is no different. Dr. Matthew Clayton said that the homeless are more likely to need a flu shot because of the cold weather they face every night.
“With the influenza coming in peaks and being seasonal, a lot of times they’d be at a higher risk,” Clayton said.
In past years, this clinic has vaccinated more than 2,000 homeless Utahns. Clinic employees want to see less emergency room visits due to flu complications. Although some donations have come in, they say the community can make the biggest difference.
“We have a ways to go,” says Hyovnen.
To make a donation to the Fourth Street Clinic, visit http://www.fourthstreetclinic.org/ or call (801) 364-0058.
