Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled
Flu shots are now available through Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH). DCPH Manager Mary Dunleavy said, “Public Health has received flu vaccine and we are accepting appointments now for flu shots.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and seasonal viruses will cause illness in the United States during the 2010-2011 flu season. Therefore, this year’s flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus that caused illness last season.
Everyone six months of age and older is encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccination of people at high risk for flu complications is especially encouraged. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
The following groups are not recommended to have flu vaccination without first consulting a physician:
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination
• People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting a flu vaccination
• Children less than six months of age
• People who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever (these people should wait until they recover to get vaccinated)
The cost per vaccination at DCPH is $25, and only one shot is needed for complete vaccination for adults and children who have had the flu shot in the past. Children ages eight and under who have never had a flu shot will need two shots. Dunleavy recommends that those interested in receiving the vaccine call DCPH at 712-336-2682. The flu clinic hours are as follows:
Monday, October 4, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Monday, October 11, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Wednesday, October 13, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Monday, October 18, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Monday, October 25, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Influenza is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread from person to person through direct contact or droplets in the air. Influenza can cause fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, chills, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. Symptoms typically last one to two weeks, but may last longer and require hospitalization.
Each flu vaccine contains three influenza viruses: one A (H3N2) virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. The ability of the flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so it is not possible to get the flu from the flu vaccine.
The seasonal flu season usually occurs from November until April. Typically activity is very low until December, and peak activity usually occurs in January or February. Since it takes about one to two weeks after vaccination for the antibody against influenza to develop and provide protection, now is the best time to receive the vaccine.
Dunleavy said, “If you do not get the vaccine, you can still protect yourself by practicing good health habits. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Also, frequently clean high touch areas, such as doorknobs, telephones, and refrigerator handles. If and when you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. Stay home from work, school, and running errands when you are sick to help prevent others from catching your illness. Also, sneeze or cough into your shoulder or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands frequently.”
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