The weather is cooling down and fall is in the air. Unfortunately, so are the germs that cause the flu. Every year, the flu keeps thousands of people away from work, school, friends, and family. This year, don’t let the flu get to you.
The Effingham County Health Department is now offering the flu vaccine in both the injectable (shot) and nasal spray form and the cost is $25.
A High Dose flu vaccine is also being offered for people ages 65 and older, and it is designed to provide the best protection for that age group. High Dose vaccine will be $40 per dose. The Health Department will hold a drive-through flu vaccination clinic Oct. 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Effingham County Annex on Highway 119 South in Springfield.
Neither the flu shot nor the nasal spray can cause the flu. The shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. The nasal spray is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. The 2011-12 flu vaccine will protect against three strains of influenza virus: influenza A H3N2, influenza B virus, and 2009 H1N1.
“The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can help protect your family from illness, hospitalization or worse,” said Effingham County Health Department Nurse Manager Cindy Grovenstein, R.N.
The flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That’s why good health habits are also important including staying home when you’re sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Flu vaccinations will be available at the Effingham County Health Department from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information please call the Effingham County Health at 754-6484.
For more information visit the CDC’s influenza Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/
