The West Piedmont Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccines at a special drive-through clinic on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Stuart Rotary Club. Only 200 doses of injectable vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; and will be offered only to those 18 years and older.
Va. Department of Health officials ask those seeking the vaccine wear clothing that is loose around the arm, and do not have pets in the vehicle (except service animals).
“There have already been cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone six months and older,” said Dr. Jody Hershey, Director, West Piedmont Health District.
Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:
• Pregnant and women who have recently given birth, or those who will be pregnant during flu season
• People over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma
• People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV), or a seizure disorder.
To help prevent the spread of influenza to people in high-risk groups, those who live with people in a high-risk group and healthcare workers should also receive an annual influenza vaccine. Travelers to countries outside of the United State may also consider influenza vaccination.
Influenza can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. For more information, please call the West Piedmont Health District at (276) 638-2311 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.
