Flu shot clinic to be held

Central Valley Health District will hold a flu shot clinic for those age 18 and over on Wednesday. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity Lutheran Church, 523 Fourth Ave. S.E., Jamestown.

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone be vaccinated against seasonal flu, especially the following people at high-risk for complications:

* All adults age 50 and older — even if healthy

* Residents of long-term care facilities and people of any age who have long-term health problems, such as: heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments and breathing problems due to neuromuscular disorders

* Health-care workers

* Women who will be pregnant during the flu season

* All children ages 6 months through 18 years

* Household contact of those above

* Anyone who wants to prevent the flu

With all the information being shared about H1N1, there is confusion over what flu shots people need this year. The seasonal flu shot will not protect against H1N1, nor will the H1N1 vaccine protect against seasonal flu. H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available later this fall.

“It is important for people to remember that some of them may need a seasonal flu shot and an H1N1 shot this fall,” said Robin Islzer, CVHD administrator. “Pregnant women, anyone age 6 months – 24 years, emergency medical workers, household contacts of those under 6 months, and those age 25-64 with underlying medical conditions will need the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccine this year.”

The cost for seasonal flu shots this year is $30 and it is covered by Medicare. Those with Medicare coverage should bring their Medicare card for billing purposes.

Staff at Central Valley Health encourage all people to take precautions to protect themselves from getting the flu this season. These steps include washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and staying home from work and school when sick.

Central Valley Health, the local public health agency, is located at 122 Second St. NW. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on Wednesdays when the office opens at 8:30 a.m.

Tags: central valley, life, health, flu, shot, h1n1