Flu Vaccine Now Available At County Health Departments Statewide

Flu season is officially underway.

Flu vaccination is recommended each year for everyone 6 months of age and older. “That’s got me on board every year to definitely get my flu shot“, he concluded.

“…there is vaccine available for adults for adults, but they do have to pay for that”.

Last year’s flu season was particularly severe because the predominant strain was an influenza A called H3N2, which was not included in the vaccine.

Typically, the vaccine covers the most prevalent strains.

“There’s always the possibility you may need to use other providers such as the county health department or a pharmacy, but always the best way to do that for multiple reasons is to go through your primary child’s doctor first and develop a plan”, said Dr. Phillips.

Every year, between 5% and 20% of Americans get the flu, and over 200,000 end up in the hospital because of it, according to the CDC.

A few cases of the flu have already been reported, but there aren’t enough illnesses to predict what kind of flu season lies ahead. It peaks between December and February.

Strong Area Health Center is located at 177 North Main Street, Strong and can be contacted by calling (207) 684-4010.

To help prevent outbreaks they start, the Central Shenandoah Health District, Waynesboro Emergency Management, and Augusta Health Center teamed up to give free flu shots at a drive through clinic Thursday. “The flu vaccine protects you and your family, co-workers, and others”.

Last flu season, we saw the county deal with a shortage of the vaccination because the flu virus had mutated.

The injectable version of the vaccine protects against four viruses.

“It takes around two weeks after inoculation to wind up completely ensured so get everybody in your family immunized at the earliest opportunity”, said Maria Alexander, managerial chief for the Ottawa County Health Department. Officials want to remind the public about the importance of getting vaccinated no matter what.

Ray County Health Department was to have received its supply of flu vaccine late last week and began administering shots Monday. State officials say it’s the most they can recall in Delaware in a single year.

No vaccine for children will be available at this clinic. “Getting a shot now gives the body time to produce the antibodies to mount a strong defense”.

“Maybe a little fever, a little achiness, but that’s not the flu”.

Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.