Nurses have drive-thru flu shots to keep people healthy

“Each year, when you get the flu shot, you’re getting our best guess of what’s going to be here this season”, Sanders said. Flu vaccine will be offered October. 20 at the Health Department from 9 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. Please call the Health Department at 473-8468 to make an appointment to get your flu vaccine. This is the second annual Flu Boo event that DOH-Pinellas has held at the Pinellas Park location.

Medimmune Astrazenca is the sole maker of the flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray making it easier for kids and anyone afraid of needles.

As for this year’s vaccine, Grace, an infectious disease specialist, says there’s good news. Vaccines are readily available at drug stores and groceries stores and are covered by most insurance plans.

“The CDC recommends everyone get the flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves from the influenza virus”, MHP Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy said. The manufacturer, MedImmune, says it’s had to spread out delivery to clinics because it had to replace three of the four strains from last year’s vaccine.

Getty ImagesThe flu is a bigger deal than many people realize. That strain killed 21 children nationwide last flu season.

“All Delawareans, especially our elderly, our young children, those with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems, need protection”, said Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf who also received a flu vaccine at Friday’s clinic.

Although there is no way to predict when an outbreak begins, the flu usually strikes most from December to February.

Last year’s vaccination fell short on preventing many people from getting sick with the flu. The flu is very contagious; the county is asking you to see your doctor and then stay home until you’re healthy again.

If you do get sick after a vaccination, they say it’s probably because you caught the flu before, or your body is building up antibodies, which can cause a few mild flu-like symptoms. This years vaccine includes a 4th virus strain.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging people to get ready now.

They also say about 114,000 people have to be admitted to hospitals each year because of influenza.