Flu shots available starting Oct. 15 at PCHD
Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 |
PINELLAS COUNTY - Flu season has begun, and it can continue through February or later. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious and potentially serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Flu vaccines (flu shots) are safe, effective and cannot cause the flu.
The Pinellas County Health Department will begin offering flu shots on Monday, October 15.
Health officials recommend flu shots for everyone especially for individuals in the following groups:
- Individuals age 50 and older
- Residents of and staff of long-term care facilities
- People with chronic medical conditions and their household contacts
- Children aged six months to five years of age, their household contacts and out-of-home caregivers
- Pregnant women or women who will be pregnant during flu season
- Healthcare personnel
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months of age
County residents can get a flu shot at their doctors office, area walk-in clinics, at flu shot events hosted by local supermarkets and other public places or, starting on Monday, October 15, at the Pinellas County Health Department. There are five Pinellas County Health Department health centers:
1. St. Petersburg 205 Dr. ML King St. N., 727-824-6900
2. Clearwater 310 N. Myrtle Ave., 727-469-5800
3. Pinellas Park 6350 76th Ave. N., 727-547-7780
4. Largo 12420 130th Ave. N., 727-588-4040
5. Tarpon Springs 301 South Disston Ave., 727-942-5457
The cost of a flu shot at the health department is $25. Pneumonia vaccines will also be available for $40. Bring your Medicare card and a photo ID. As supplies are available, the health department will offer flu shots on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday starting Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. Call the health center to check supply on the day you plan to go in for a flu shot. You can also call our flu shot hotline at 727-824-6900, then press 2, for current information. Information will also be available at www.PinellasHealth.com.
In addition to vaccination, you can also reduce your risk of contracting respiratory infections by following a few simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser. Teach your children to do the same.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home.
- Avoid crowds where people are likely to be coughing and sneezing.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items with others.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then put used tissues in a waste container and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve not into your hand.
For more information, visit www.PinellasHealth.com or www.cdc.gov.
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Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007
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