Small Town News

Macon County Health Department begins Seasonal Flu Vaccinations for Adults in September

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The Macon County Health Department begins flu vaccinations for adults on September 18, 2009, at the Argenta United Methodist Church in from 5 to 7 p.m. Debby Durbin, Director of Nursing says, "Flu shots are recommended for all children from 6 months through 18 years old and for adults of all ages. The flu vaccination will help reduce the risk of catching or spreading this season's flu bug. This year, due to H1N1 influenza it is even more important that people be protected against the seasonal influenza."

Flu shots this year are $20 and pneumonia vaccinations are $50. Durbin reminds the public to wear short sleeves when planning to get the flu shot and bring correct change or Medicare Part B. Medicaid cards are accepted for Macon County residents for flu vaccine only. Pediatric influenza vaccine through the Vaccine For Children program has not arrived at this time and is not expected until mid September. Parents should confirm that it is in before coming to a clinic.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following persons receive a flu shot each year:

1 .All children 6 months of age through 18 years of age. 2. All persons 50 years of age or older. 3.People at high risk for complications from the flu, including: -Pregnant women, -Anyone with a weakened immune system, People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and -People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

2. Anyone who lives with or cares for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

-Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above) -Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) up to age 5 years, and -Health care workers.

3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.The Macon County Health Department will continue to offer flu shots every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning September 23rd, 2009, during immunization clinic at the health department,

1221 E. Condit Street (corner of Condit and Jasper Streets). Attached is a list of our public flu clinic sites for adults. The Macon County Health Department also encourages persons in high risk groups to get the H1N1 Vaccination when it becomes available. The health department will notify the public of its availability but it is not expected until mid October.

Seasonal flu clinics will be offered in the Mt. Zion are on October 5 at Prairie State Bank and on October 8 at the Majestic Hall.

For more information about the various flu clinics scheduled in Macon County, please call the Macon County Health Department at 423-6988, ext 1333 or visit our website at www.maconcountyhealth.org.



Copyright 2009 Mt. Zion Region News, Mt. Zion, Illinois. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Mt. Zion Region News Mt. Zion, Illinois. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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