Texas City Sun
Published 10/06/03
From staff reports

The Galveston County Health District is promoting October as Influenza Prevention Month.
The flu can be avoided by getting a flu shot, the county health district advises. Almost anyone can receive a flu shot. It is especially recommended for those at highest risk of complications:

• People 50 and older.
• Those in long-term care facilities of any age with chronic medical conditions.
• Anyone with chronic lung and heart problems.
• Anyone with any chronic metabolic disease including diabetes.
• Persons age six months to 18 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
• Women who will be more than three months pregnant during the flu season.

The vaccine is not recommended for people who have an allergic reaction to eggs or anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome.

The flu prevention campaign begins Monday with $16 vaccines for certain high-risk groups and their close contacts. For persons with Medicare Part B insurance, the shot will be available at no cost.

Seniors can get a flu shot at a series of Senior Health Corps Fests to promote wellness among Galveston County seniors. Other senior health information also will be available.

The events will run from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days:

• Tuesday at Walter Hall Park, 807 state Highway 3 North, League City.
• Oct. 13, Bay Vue United Methodist Church, 1441 Highway 87, Crystal Beach.
• Oct. 15, Carbide Park Wayne Johnson Community Center, 102 FM 519, La Marque.
• Oct. 16, Dickinson Senior Citizens Center, 2714 state Highway 3, Dickinson.
• Oct. 22, Galveston Senior Citizens Center, 2201 Ave. L, Galveston.
• Oct. 23, Bacliff Community Center, 4503 11th St., Bacliff.

The district also will offer flu shots at the following locations:

• Monday — 9 a.m. Santa Fe Senior Citizens, 14304 Beriton.
• Wednesday — 9 a.m., Moody Gardens Senior Citizens Expo, One Hope Blvd., Galveston.
• Friday — 9 a.m., College of the Mainland, 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City.
• Friday — 1:30 p.m., The Sanders Center, 801 Third Ave. S., Texas City.
• Oct. 13 — 1 p.m., High Island Schools, 2113 Sixth St.
• Oct. 14 — 2 p.m., Stewart Elementary, 8100 Barry, Hitchcock.
• Oct. 17 — 9 a.m., county courthouse, 722 21st St.
• Oct. 25 — 11 a.m., Kemah Kids Fest, 800 Harris

Read the press release