The announcement comes from the North Health District Office, which serves 13 counties.
Dave Palmer with the District 2 Public Health Department saod the first flu shot clinic in Hall County will be at the Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 8.
"And after Oct. 13, flu shots will be available daily at the health department on a walk-in basis during normal business hours," said Palmer.
Who should definitely have a flu shot? People in these groups, according to health professionals:
· All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
· All children aged 6-59 months (i.e., 6 months-4 years)
· All persons aged 50 years
· Children and adolescents (aged 6 months-18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
· Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
· Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
· Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
· Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration
·Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
To prevent transmission to persons identified above, vaccination (unless contraindicated) also is recommended for the following people:
· Health care personnel
· Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged 59 months (5 years) and adults aged 50 years
· Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza
For a county-by-county breakdown of when flu shots will be available in the 13-county North Health District, go to the link below.
.......
North Health District Office. http://www.phdistrict2.org/
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/9/213776