New round of flu shots offered

Unable to get a flu shot at the start of influenza season? Officials with the Galveston County Health District announced Tuesday that a new round of shots will be offered starting today.

But as before, those who fit within a “high risk” classification are a priority for the shots, although the list of those who fit into that ranking has expanded.

“It is very important that high-risk individuals become protected since influenza has serious consequences and we are not yet out of the flu season,” said County Health Director Dr. Mark Guidry.

Guidry said people who are 50 years old or older, people who come in contact with homebound people in high-risk groups and home health care givers have been added to the list of high-risk groups.

Those groups include children 6 months to 23 months of age, anyone with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, nursing home or assisted living home residents, children on chronic aspirin therapy and medical workers.

Those not in the high-risk categories are urged to take steps to prevent the spread of the flu such as the simple act of washing their hands, said district officials.

The district will offer the shots at three county clinics in Texas City, Dickinson and Galveston. Flu shots are $16, except for those with Medicare Part B insurance for whom the shots are free.

District officials cautioned that a flu shot takes about two weeks to offer maximum protection.

Dr. Dana Beckham, the district’s chief epidemiologist, said the height of the flu season in Texas would typically extend into February. She also urged people with heart or lung problems, HIV or AIDS, and other chronic medical conditions to seek out a pneumonia vaccine.

Beckham said while flu cases are not recorded, the county has already had four confirmed laboratory cases.

“While we hope we won’t have an (widespread) outbreak, it’s still possible,” she said.

Flu Shots Will Be Offered At Three County Clinics

• Texas City: 2000 Texas Ave.
  Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
  8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Dickinson: 905 Pine Drive.
  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
  8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Galveston: 4700 Broadway.
  Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Information: www.gchd.org or (409) 938-2244.

.For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org

Read the press release