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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

The City of Laredo Health Department Continues to Offer FLU Vaccine

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department continues to encourage the public to get vaccinated against influenza (FLU). Recently, a child was confirmed to have contracted H1N1 influenza and this could have been prevented if vaccinated.  The vaccine protects against both seasonal and H1N1 strains and is the most effective measure towards reducing the impact of influenza, and is particularly important for people who are at increased risk for severe complications from the flu.

 People in the high risk groups include:

·         All children more than 6 months of age to 4 years;

·         People 50 years and older;

·         Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular, kidney, liver, neurological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes);

·         People with compromised immune systems;

·         Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season;

·         Children age 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;

·         Residents of long-term care facilities;

·         People who are morbidly obese;

·         Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 5 year of age or adults age 50 and above.

 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 infecting 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.

FLU Season is Still Here! / page 2 of 2

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

 City of Laredo Health Department’s Immunization Programs

(2600 Cedar)

Monday through Friday

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; additionally on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

or at the Health Department WIC clinics (Call for times)

 The cost is $20 vaccine for adults and $8 for children up to the age of 18

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

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.