| Flu Vaccine Available... |
|
The Cleveland County Health Department joins the NC Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in urging everyone to make a flu vaccination a priority this season. Everyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to be immunized.
Seasonal flu is most deadly for very young children and senior citizens. The 2009 H1N1 flu disproportionately affected middle-aged adults and young people. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains protection against the same strains as the 2010-2011 vaccine did. The vaccine is safe and effective and the best way to prevent the flu.
In addition to vaccination, continue practicing health habits to protect you from flu viruses:
• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Stay home if you are sick. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of fever reducing medicine.
Flu vaccine is available at the Cleveland County Health Department Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm starting Wednesday September 7, 2011. The vaccine is free of charge for children 18 and younger who have Medicaid, do not have insurance or are underinsured (meaning insurance does not cover the flu vaccine). The vaccine will also be free for uninsured (non-Medicaid) pregnant women 19 and older who are serviced by the health department, anyone attending a college or university, and healthcare workers. We will bill insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. For questions, you may visit the Cleveland County Health Department website at www.clevelandcounty.com/cchd or contact the Immunization clinic at 704-484-5154.
|
|
Printer-friendly format
|
|
