Flu Shots Now Available

As published in the Gulf Coast E-news 
October 28, 2005

“Getting vaccinated, especially for those in high-risk populations, is the best prevention,” said Dr. Mark Guidry, the health authority for the Galveston County Health District. “Although the flu itself typically lasts only a week or two, it can lead to more serious illness such as pneumonia, especially for the elderly and people with other health problems.”

Guidry said anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated.  However, he stresses that certain people should make the effort to get vaccinated each year.  Priority groups to receive flu shots include people age 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, people ages two years to 64 years with chronic health conditions, children ages six months to 23 months, pregnant women, health-care workers who provide direct patient care, and caregivers of children less than 6 months old.

Dr. Dana Beckham, chief epidemiologist for the Health District says that in addition to getting a flu shot some common sense precautions can also prevent the spread of the flu.

“People should avoid close contact and practice respiratory etiquette such as covering your mouth when you cough and covering your nose when you sneeze,” Beckham said, adding that frequent and adequate hand washing helps to prevent the spread of flu. “People should wash their hands often for 15 to 20 seconds with soap and water.  If that is not available use a hand sanitizing gel.  We can’t stress enough the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of illness”

Galveston County Residents can obtain their flu vaccination at one of the following locations starting Monday, October 31^st.

Health District Headquarters
1207 Oak Street, La Marque
Monday through Friday 
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Galveston Immunization Clinic
4700 Broadway, Galveston
Monday and Wednesdays
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Read the press release 10/26/05

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