Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics Begin in Orange County
For
Immediate Release: October 23, 2008
Contact: Howard
Sutter (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) -
The Orange
County Health Care Agency (HCA) has scheduled flu shot clinics
beginning the week of October 27 at various locations throughout
the area to protect residents from seasonal influenza (flu). HCA
encourages those in high-risk groups and anyone wishing to
decrease their risk of influenza to receive a flu shot. The
first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza this season was
reported to the County earlier this month through a network of
physicians who provide information about influenza activity in
the community. Sporadic influenza activity has been reported
throughout the state.
“Receiving a flu
shot is an effective measure in preventing influenza,” said Dr.
Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “This is an ideal time to
become vaccinated against the flu since the season is just
beginning. Influenza can cause serious illness – every year on
average 226,000 people are hospitalized and more than 35,000
people die in the United States due to influenza and its
complications.
Information
about locations, dates and times for the County’s flu shot
program is available by calling the HCA Health Referral Line at
(800) 564-8448 or by visiting the Health Care Agency’s website
at
www.ochealthinfo.com/public/flu. HCA’s seasonal flu shot
program provides free flu shots to eligible individuals
including:
·
People 50 years of age or older
·
People with chronic disease like heart disease, asthma or other
lung disease
·
Children aged six months through 59 months (less than 5 years of
age)
·
Children or adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy
·
Women who are pregnant or will be pregnant during flu season
·
People with health conditions that suppress their immune or
respiratory system
·
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
·
Health care workers
·
Anyone living with or caring for children under 5 years or
adults over 50 years of age
·
Anyone living with or caring for people with medical conditions
that place them at higher risk of complications from influenza
Those not
eligible for the county program can obtain a flu shot from
community clinics, physician offices, urgent care centers and
other private health care providers in the community. Visit the
American Lung Association website at
www.flucliniclocator.org for assistance in finding a flu
shot.
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