For more information contact:
Karen Bishop at 607-274-6604 or Sigrid Connors at 607-274-6656
Family Flu Clinic at the Health Department on Saturday, November 6
October 25, 2010 – (Ithaca, NY) Busy schedules can make it difficult to take the time for you and people you care about to get an annual flu shot. The Tompkins County Health Department is going to make it easier for you. You’re invited to stop by the Health Department at 55 Brown Road (near the airport) on Saturday, November 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and bring your family and friends. Appointments are not necessary.
Children (6 months of age and above) and adults of any age are welcome. This year through federal stimulus funds the Health Department is also offering several FREE adult vaccines at flu clinics while supplies last:
- Tdap – for anyone 64 years of age and younger for protection against whooping cough.
- Pneumovax – for adults with asthma and for people who smoke who are at higher risk for pneumonia and its complications.
- Zostovax – a one-time shot for anyone 60 years of age and older for protection against shingles and its complications.
These adult vaccines can be expensive if obtained elsewhere and are often not covered by insurance. The Health Department has a limited supply and they are available for free.
Should you get a flu shot this year? Here’s an easy answer: Everyone, Every Year (Everyone over the age of 6 months). That is what the Center for Disease Control is recommending and the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) agrees. A flu shot is the best protection against the flu – it protects you and limits the spread of flu to others, particularly infants under the age of 6 months who are too young to be immunized.
The Health Department bills Medicare Part B. The cost is $35 for flu shots. Adults 19 years of age and above may pay in cash. Flu immunizations are free for anyone 6 months through 18 years of age. Other adult immunizations are free.
This year the seasonal flu will protect against the H1N1 virus and two other circulating strains of flu. Only one flu immunization for most people is necessary this year. For more information call 607- 274-6609 or go to www.tompkins-co.org/flu or www.cdc.gov/flu
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