Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2016 13:13:29 +0000
From: Shannon Godbout
Subject: 2016-2017 Flu Shot Information
With flu season fast-approaching, it is important to get vaccinated. Last season, over 200 North Carolinians died from the flu. The best way to protect yourself, your family, your classmates and your co-workers against the flu is to get the annual flu vaccination. With many local options available, including pharmacies and drug stores, getting vaccinated is more convenient than ever.
It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine. For people who are high risk, the flu can be especially dangerous. This includes people over 65 years old and those with chronic medical conditions. If you are a caregiver or family member of someone who is high risk, it is also very important that you are vaccinated. If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, have had Guillain-Barr=E9 Syndrome, or are not feeling well, please let your doctor or the person who gives the vaccine know beforehand to determine what is best for you.
Also, remember that personal hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing with soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering coughs and sneezes with tissue or sleeve, and staying home when ill, help to prevent the spread of the flu.
In response to the changing needs of our community, the Chatham County Public Health Department is focusing its flu vaccination outreach efforts this year on Chatham County residents who are unable to leave their homes to get the flu vaccine. If you or someone you know is homebound due to medical or physical disabilities and would like to receive the influenza vaccine, please contact Bonnie Dukeman at the Chatham County Public Health Department at 919-742-5641.
In addition to outreach efforts to the homebound, the Chatham County Public Health Department will give flu vaccine at its Siler City clinic location. Please call 919-742-5641 to schedule your appointment.
Most insurance is accepted, and the cost without insurance is $30.00 for the shot. The CDC does not recommend Flumist this year.
For additional information, please visit www.chathamnc.org/flu<ht
Best regards,
Shannon Kincaide Godbout, MSc
Social Research Associate
Health Promotion and Policy Division
Chatham County Public Health Department
(919) 545-8441
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