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Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness and symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. It is spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. The flu season in this country can begin as early as October and last as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
There should be enough vaccine available this year so that anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, the CDC recommends that the following people should be vaccinated each year:
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu:
- All people 65 years and older
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- People age 2 to 64 years with chronic health conditions
- All children 6 to 23 months of age
- Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
3. People who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications:
- Health-care workers
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0 to 23 months of age
- Close contacts of people 65
Attending one of the Health District's flu clinics has a twofold benefit. First and most importantly, residents that receive the shots will be protected against the flu. The second and more subtle benefit is that it provides an opportunity for Health District staff and volunteers to "practice" vaccinating large numbers of citizens in a relatively short period of time. Should the need to vaccinate large portions of our population ever arise the Health District will have established and practiced implementing a streamlined and efficient mass vaccination process. This type of practice is critical if the Health District is to be successful in reaching Clermont County residents in a timely manner during an emergency situation.
As flu season approaches the Health District will begin scheduling flu shot clinics. The vaccinations cost $15.00 each; Medicaid and Medicare Part B are accepted. For additional information about flu shot eligibility and availability, continue to check this site for updates or .