Another Flu Shot Clinic Scheduled
Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH) has scheduled another flu shot clinic for December 29 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Lakes Regional Healthcare’s (LRH) Community Health Center at 1003 21st Street in Milford. People are encouraged to call DCPH at 336-2682 to make an appointment for this clinic.
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.
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.
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