(Santa Ana) – Free flu shots for those at highest risk of contracting influenza will be available beginning Friday, November 1 at the County Health Care Agency’s operated clinics. This year’s supply of influenza vaccine is expected to be sufficient to meet the nation’s needs and the vaccine is expected to be delivered to providers earlier than last year. “Medicare and many insurance plans cover the cost of flu shots, so we encourage seniors and others who want flu shots to contact their private physician or other local providers, said Dr. Mark Horton, County Health Officer.

The County’s annual influenza vaccination program is targeted to protect people age 60 years and older and persons of any age with chronic diseases such as asthma and other respiratory problems, kidney disease, anemia, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season, children on long-term aspirin therapy and individuals with suppressed immune systems are eligible for the County’s flu shot program.

“The flu shot is one of the most effective public health measures we have. Some of the best advice I can give to our senior citizens and people of all ages with chronic health problems is to receive a flu shot annually,” recommended Dr. Horton.

Free flu shots for people age 60 years and older and others eligible for the County flu shot program will be available beginning November 1 at the following Health Care Agency walk-in immunization sites:

• Santa Ana – 1725 W. 17th Street: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday evenings until 7 p.m.
• Buena Park – 7342 Orangethorpe: Tuesdays, 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Costa Mesa – 2845 Mesa Verde Drive East: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. t0 7 p.m.
• San Juan Capistrano – 27512 Calle Arroyo: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Information about community sites participating in the Health Care Agency’s flu shot program is available by calling the County of Orange Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

County of Orange Health Care Agency
2002-2003 Influenza Fact Sheet

• The 2002-2003 influenza vaccine contains protection against three strains of influenza viruses that are expected to cause illness this winter: A/Moscow, A/New Caledonia and B/Hong Kong. Since the flu viruses change frequently and protection declines within one year of vaccination, it is important that people at risk get a flu shot every year with the vaccine that is made for the current influenza season. Last year’s vaccine should not be used.
  

• Many people overlook the fact that influenza (or flu) can be a series disease. Nationwide, thousands of people die each year from influenza or related complications such as pneumonia. Most young people in good health are ill for only a few days (although they can spread the disease) but the elderly and those with already weakened respiratory systems or other problems that reduce immunity are at great risk of complications.
  

• Flu symptoms may include sudden onset of illness, high fever, sore throat, cough and general aches and pains lasting three to five days. Recommendations for treating symptoms of influenza include acetaminophen for fever, lots of clear liquids, light meals and bed rest. A physician can prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce severity and duration of uncomplicated influenza. Emergency room care should only be considered in the most severe cases. Most healthy adults and children will recover without and complications. Elderly people and those with chronic diseases should see their doctor whenever illness is prolonged, they have a high fever or they experience difficulty breathing.
  

• Basic preventive measures that can be taken to keep from getting or spreading influenza include washing your hands thoroughly and frequently; covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; getting plenty of rest; eating a healthy diet; dressing appropriately for the weather; minimizing time in crowded areas during the flu season; and avoiding contact with others when you have the flu or are not feeling well.
  

• Although it is not available through the state’s influenza program, influenza vaccine is recommended for all infants and children ages 6-23 months and for people as young as age 50 who are in good health, particularly those who have regular contact with the elderly and person with high risk medical conditions, and persons of any age who wish to reduce their risk of having flu disease this winter. Such persons should contact their regular source of health care. Some private providers will offer low cost flu vaccinations at work sites, drug stores and other locations.

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