Yolo health officer urges people to get vaccinated

Doctors say you can’t get the flu from the flu shot and you should still get a shot even if you think you’ve had the flu. This is the second annual Flu Boo event that DOH-Pinellas has held at the Pinellas Park location.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) did not renew its preferential recommendation of the nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2015-16 season.

“It’s really not known why, during the colder months, these respiratory viruses seem to circulate, but they absolutely do” said Turner.

“All signs show it’s going to be a great match, and it’s a great way to get protected against the flu”, Monterey County Health Dept. Epidemiologist Kristy Michie said. The vaccine itself is made from components of the flu; that’s how it works, by helping your body make antibodies that can fight the flu if you get exposed.

Chapman encourages residents to contact their health care provider or pharmacy about obtaining the flu vaccine. “If they wish to come back when we have more supply of the FluMist that their insurance will cover, we can accommodate that as well”, said Dr. George Phillips.

Duchin said this vaccine is on target based on the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere.The health department said it’s most important for children over 6 months, the elderly and those with medical conditions to get this year’s shot. This year, the MDH says the flu mist and certain injectable flu vaccines are shipping later than expected, leaving clinics that serve about one third of the kids across the state, in a tough situation. As a result, more people were sickened by the flu. Influenza season for the most part begins in September or October and goes through April or May. “It is easier than ever to do the right thing and get vaccinated”.

Although there are other preventative measures to protect yourself from the flu, Public Health Nurse, Jamie Heinzman, said the vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the virus.

The CDC also recommends that people 65 and older receive a high-dose flu vaccine.

In addition to administering vaccinations, Dr. Alexander-Scott also received a flu shot. The quadrivalent vaccine protects against an additional B virus.

No vaccine for children will be available at this clinic.