For Immediate Release
December 13, 2006

Contact: Howard Sutter
 (714) 834-2178

Eligibility for Free Flu Shots Expanded

(Santa Ana) –  Adults of all ages and children 6 months of age and older are now eligible for free flu shots through programs sponsored by the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The California Department of Health Services has expanded eligibility for public health flu shot programs to encourage more Californians to get a flu shot and enhance their protection against influenza. “We are very pleased that the State has taken this step to make flu shots available to anyone who is interested in protecting themselves against the flu and we hope more Orange County residents will participate in the flu shot program,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “While the flu season is off to a slow start in California, influenza cases are increasing in other areas of the country and the flu season could peak in California during January or February.”

Free flu shots are available, while vaccine supplies last, through Public Health clinics located in Santa Ana, Buena Park, Costa Mesa and San Juan Capistrano. Flu shots have also been provided to many community clinics located in Orange County. For more information on influenza vaccination locations and schedules, please call the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com.

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