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Preventing Flu Helps in Ike Recovery
October 16, 2008
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"It is always important to get an annual flu shot but after Ike
it may be even more important since people may now be sharing housing with other
family members, living in shelter settings or taking care of others which can
all increase the risk of getting the flu," says Arceneaux.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to
complications, hospitalization, and even death. The best way to prevent the flu
is by getting a flu shot each year. October or November is the best time to get
vaccinated, as flu season normally peaks in January or later.
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting
the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people
should get vaccinated each year. Most of these people are recommended for
vaccination because they are at high risk of having serious flu complications or
they live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications.
People recommended for vaccination during the 2008-09 flu season
are: children aged 6 months up to their 19th
birthday; pregnant women; people 50
years of age and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical
conditions; people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care
facilities; people who live with or care for those at high risk for
complications from flu, including health care workers, household contacts of
persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out
of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.
To date, there is no anticipated shortage of vaccine. Flu shots
are $20 each. Clinic staff will review Medicare cards for reimbursement at no
cost to senior citizens.
Flu shot clinics will be conducted at the following locations:
October 22 nd:
Lake Haven, 1051 Columbia Memorial Parkway, League City, 1 p.m. to 3. p.m.
October 23rd :
Dickinson Senior Citizens Center, 2714 Highway 3, Dickinson, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
October 27th :
Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway, Suite C133, Galveston, 10 a.m. to 12
noon.
October 29th :
The Nessler Center, 2010 5th Avenue North, Texas City, 10 a.m. to 12
noon.
October 30th :
Wayne Johnson Community Center (Carbide Park), 4102 FM 519, La Marque, 10 a.m.
to 12 noon.
November 6th :
Bacliff Senior Citizens Center, 4503 11th
Street, Bacliff, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
The District is still working to schedule additional flu shot
clinics in the county. As they are scheduled information will be distributed and
posted on the Galveston County Health District web site
www.gchd.org
as it becomes available.
Flu shots area also available in the District’s immunization
clinics in Texas City, Dickinson and Galveston. For more information about
Galveston County Health District immunization clinics and vaccine supply contact
Immunization Nurse Manager, June Gonzales at (409) 938-2244 or see usual clinic
times at
www.gchd.org/chn/IMM.htm.
Press release as
published in the Galveston County Daily
News For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211 or (409) 392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org
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