Friday, September 21, 2012

Flu Vaccine Available at Calaveras County Public Health Clinics




      
Fall marks the beginning of the flu season.  Last year was a long but milder flu season.  It is not a predictor of this year’s flu season.  “The recommendation is for everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu vaccine,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.  “Don’t play the odds, be safe and get your flu vaccine now,” Kelaita added. 


“Each year I remind people that flu can be serious,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita.  Protect yourself and others by getting a flu vaccine now. “Every year people die from seasonal flu,” added Kelaita.  Some children, youth and adults are at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and possibly death if they are not protected from the flu. 
·         Adults 50 years of age and over
·         Pregnant women
·         Children and youth 5-18 years on long term aspirin therapy
·         Everyone with chronic health conditions (including diabetes, kidney, heart or lung disease)

Adults and children in these groups should get the vaccine as soon as possible.  Full protection takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine.

If you care for an infant less than 6 months or persons with chronic health conditions, you can protect them by getting your flu vaccine.  Even if you had a flu vaccination last year, you need another one this year.

The Calaveras County Public Health Department is offering vaccine at all the regular community immunization clinics throughout flu season. The weekly Monday Immunization Clinic at the Public Health office is 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm and Thursday, 8:00 am – 12:00pm.  The Valley Springs Immunization Clinic is every third Tuesday, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

In addition, there will be a series of special flu clinics


Public Health Department Seasonal Flu Clinics

Day
Date
City/Town
Location
Time
Tuesday
September 25th
San Andreas
San Andreas Library
1299 Gold Hunter Road
2:00 pm -4:30 pm
Tuesday
October 2ne
West Point
Community Hall
10:00 am-11:30 pm
Thursday
October 11th
Angels Camp
St. Patrick’s Church
820 South Main Street
10:00 am-12:30 pm

Thursday

October 18th
Arnold
Independence Hall
1445 Blagen Road
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Tuesday
October 23rd
Valley Springs
Good Samaritan Community Covenant
4684 Baldwin Street
2:00 pm-4:30 pm



Flu vaccine will also be offered every Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm through October 2012 at the Public Health Office, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2, San Andreas.

The flu vaccine is $16.  Medicare Part B is accepted. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay.  For more information about the vaccine or the clinics, contact the Public Health Department at 754.6460 or visit the Public Health website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.
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