LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

 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. 

Why should you get vaccinated?

 Seasonal FLU vaccine is the most effective measure towards reducing influenza respiratory complications, especially for those at higher risk sending many to the emergency room especially during the winter months.

Who should get vaccinated? EVERYONE, but especially:

• Children 6 months and older
• 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:               
  1. Health care workers
  2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  3. 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 causing seriously infections to 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.

We also urge the public to practice prevention by:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
• If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory droplets.

Where can I get FLU and Pneumonia shots? At your doctor’s office, clinics and at:

City of Laredo Health Department’s Immunization Clinic

2600 Cedar; Monday – Friday

8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.; Tuesdays from 5-7 pm.

or in health department WIC clinics (Call for times) 

The cost is $20.00/vaccine for adults

It is free for Medicare Part B Recipients. Please bring your card.

Pneumococcal Vaccine is $4.00 for uninsured or underinsured

all others are $35 free if on Medicare

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 only the live inactivated (nasal spray) vaccine for healthy children is available. The inactivated injectable vaccine is not scheduled to arrive until October.  

Don’t Let Flu Stop You! Fight Back, Get Vaccinated!

For more information, please contact the City of Laredo Health Department – Immunizations Clinic at (956) 795-4906 or Epidemiology at 795-4951.