FLU SEASON IS HERE PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SEASONAL INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA, DON’T WAIT
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 1, 2009, 1 Comment
Laredo, TX – – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wants to protect everyone against seasonal influenza (FLU) and pneumonia; and is recommending that EVERYONE get vaccinated against seasonal flu. We want to remind the public that seasonal flu is not H1N1 FLU. Vaccine for H1N1 will be available some time in October 2009 and persons will need to get vaccinated for this FLU as well.
Why should you get vaccinated?
Seasonal FLU vaccine is the most effective measure towards reducing the impact of influenza, especially for those at higher risk that are more susceptible to respiratory complications and infections sending many to the emergency room especially during the winter months.
Who should get vaccinated? EVERYONE, but especially:
- Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), daycare employees
What are FLU symptoms? “Flu” is sudden and symptoms include:
-Sudden fever (100.4° F or more)
-Headache
-Tiredness, sometimes extreme
-Dry cough, Sore throat
-Extreme Body aches
Risks from FLU:
In some persons, flu can cause serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes or seriously infect those that are immunocompromised. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections. Therefore we also recommend Pneumococcal Vaccine to protect against pneumonia for anyone over 65 years of age.
Where can I get FLU and Pneumonia shot: at your doctor’s office, clinics and at:
City of Laredo Health Department’s Immunization Programs
(2600 Cedar)
Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm.; Thursday 5-7 pm.
or in CLHD WIC clinics (call for times)
The cost is $18.00/vaccine for both children and adults
It is free for Medicare Part B Recipients. Please bring your card.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is $28.00
NOTE: Those 18 years of age and younger can be covered by the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program can get their vaccine for $4.00, however at this time the vaccine is not scheduled to arrive until October.
Don’t Let Flu Stop You! Fight Back, Get Vaccinated!
