For Immediate Release
October 18, 2006

Contact: Deanne Thompson
 (714) 834-2178

Seasonal Flu Shots Available in Orange County

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has scheduled immunization clinics throughout the county to protect area residents from seasonal flu.

Flu shots are available for eligible individuals through the County’s annual influenza vaccination program which began October 16th. Information about locations and dates for the County’s flu shot program is available by calling the HCA Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448 or on the Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/flu/.

While nationwide more than 115 million doses will be available this year, delays in the distribution process may result in vaccine being temporarily unavailable. Public health experts are urging the public to continue to check with their physician and other health care providers to locate a flu shot.

Seasonal flu shots provide protection against the complications of influenza and help to prevent the spread of influenza to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that the following highest priority groups receive flu shots:

• Children 6-59 months of age
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• People with chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, other lung disease or diabetes
• People with a health condition that suppresses their immune or respiratory system
• Residents of long-term care facilities that house people with chronic medical conditions
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0 to 59 months of age
• Health care workers

Flu shots are also available from private physicians, pharmacies and other retail businesses in the community. Information about these locations and dates is available from several sources, including www.findaflushot.com.

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