HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOLD ANNUAL FLU CLINIC

Contact:  Becky Brooks, 618-244-7134 bbrooks@jchdil.org

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 24, 2012

JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOLD ANNUAL FLU CLINIC        

Mt. Vernon-   The Jefferson County Health Department will be conducting their annual flu clinic on October 2, 2012.  The health department will shut down all other services for that afternoon to give flu shots from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  All nurses will be available and ready to give you a flu shot and get you on your way. 

Everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu shot.  Each season the flu vaccine is modified to protect against the strains of influenza that will most likely be circulating in the upcoming fall, winter and spring months.  Flu season can start as early as October and most often peaks in January or February, and can last until April or May.  Since different influenza viruses circulate every year, it is important to get a flu shot annually. 

The cost of the flu shot is $26.  Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, Medicare Part B only, medicaid with current medical card in hand and state employees with a state insurance card and photo ID. 

Becky Brooks, Director of Nursing at the health department states, “It takes about two weeks for your body to build up immunity to the flu virus.  Each year the flu kills about 36,000 in the U.S and hospitalizes about 200,000.  It’s important to get your flu shot now so you will be protected when flu season peaks.”   

Starting October 1^st, the Jefferson County Health Department will offer flu shots on a walk-in basis during normal business hours.  The health department closes for lunch from 12 – 1 except for the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of the month when the office closes for lunch from 1:30 – 2:30 on our late days. The health department will be closed on Monday, October 8^th for Columbus Day and Monday, November 12^th for Veterans Day.  

For more information, contact the Jefferson County Health Department at 244-7134.

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