| Stanislaus
County - Flu season is just around the corner, and Stanislaus County
Health Services Agency officials are reminding area seniors to take advantage
of the low-cost community flu shot clinics this fall to protect themselves
from influenza this winter.
John Walker, M.D., Public Health Officer for the Stanislaus County Health
Services Agency (HSA) M.D. said “Annual flu shots are important
for seniors because seniors are more likely than others to become seriously
ill if they get the flu.” Flu shots will be given at eleven senior
citizen nutrition sites as well as at fifteen other locations in Stanislaus
County (schedule enclosed). Senior flu clinics are beginning October 24,
2002.
A flu shot is needed every year, because the flu virus changes its profile
each year. The 2002-03 influenza vaccine contains antigens to provide
protection against the three strains of influenza viruses expected to
cause illness this winter.
Seniors are not the only ones who need the flu vaccine. Other persons
who are more likely to have severe illness or complications if they get
the flu include those at any age with diabetes, asthma, heart disease,
kidney disease, or weakened immune systems. Even healthy infants between
6 and 24 months and adults over the age of 50 years have a greater chance
of problems if they get the flu. Finally, anyone who wishes to decrease
their risk of illness from the flu should obtain the vaccine, but they
should wait until November, so those at highest risk can be immunized
first.
Most flu seasons actually begin in January or February, so November and
December are excellent months to obtain a flu shot
Last year 9,427 county residents received flu shots through the Stanislaus
County Public Health Services’ program.
“For their protection, seniors should get a flu shot every year,”
explained Dr. Walker. “That’s why we put so much time and
effort into our annual community flu shot clinics.”
If the public would like more information, they should contact the Stanislaus
County Health Services Agency’s Public Health Services at 558-8872.
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical
system with 10 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The
HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple
programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus
County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project
and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive
community health information available at its web site at www.hsahealth.org
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