Local Health Departments to Offer Free Drive-Through Flu Clinic

Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected from flu.

In the Ozarks, the flu season typically runs from October 1 through March 31. For more information on FluMist Quadrivalent, including a fact sheet, access Manitoba’s Seasonal Influenza Immunization Program website.

“With influenza, it’s hard to predict when the flu season is going to start up, how big the outbreak is going to be and how many people will be sick from influenza”, Patel said.

Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients soon after vaccine becomes available, preferably by October so as not to miss opportunities to vaccinate. “It is important for all Manitobans six months of age and older to get immunized to prevent infection and protect not only their own health, but the health of others in their community”.

Usually, 15 to 20 per cent of the population gets flu each year and it is possible to pass it on to those who are at more risk of serious illness.

Students can get a free vaccination at various flu shot clinics that will be open at different times throughout the year. Being a contagious respiratory illness, the influenza virus can lead to a range of symptoms.

Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other long-term conditions are at greatest risk of complications from the flu.

The flu can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

This year the targeted flu strains are derived from the H1N1 and H3N1-like virus and influenza B.

Drake said that all students have to do is come in, take care of the paperwork needed and get the flu shot, which could take only five minutes.

Or you can look up clinics near you by visiting your state’s health department. “This year, based on early reports, the new flu shot combination is more effective and on target”. The two doses should be given at least four weeks apart.