The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency will begin low-cost, community flu vaccination clinics on October 13 in Hughson. The agency will conduct 28 clinics in twelve communities throughout Stanislaus County from Waterford to Patterson (see attached schedule). The health department will be sponsoring community clinics, for seniors and other individuals with high-risk heart and lung conditions, diabetes or asthma. Last year, the agency performed more than 7000 vaccinations at the community clinics and another 2000 vaccinations at the main public health vaccination site.

To be protected this coming flu season, everyone 50 and over should get a flu shot this fall,” Walker said. “Flu shots typically are available from your regular doctor, possibly as early as September, as well as at many local pharmacies during October or November.” This year the flu shot will offer protection against the A/Fujian strain that caused most of last season’s flu cases. In addition to A/Fujian, this year’s flu vaccine will contain protection against A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like. It is also the first year the A/Fujian strain will be included in the vaccine.

“In addition to adults over 50, this year we are making a special effort to remind people that pregnant women, anyone with a chronic heart or lung condition, and infants between 6 and 23 months are at higher risk of serious complications from flu and need flu shots. HSA will be providing three children’s flu clinics on October 12 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., October 28 and 29 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 800 Scenic Drive in the Behavioral Health and Recovery Conference Room Also, anyone working in a health care setting has a good chance of getting exposed to flu and needs to protect themselves, their families and their patients by getting an annual flu shot.”

Infants should get their flu shots from their regular health care provider. Adults who want to protect themselves can find low cost shots at a wide variety of locations in California, including community health centers, chain pharmacies and even some independent pharmacies, as well as their private doctor or HMO.

Flu season lasts through January or February, so November and December are still appropriate months to get a flu shot. 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 seven medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center, the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program and multiple programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site at www.hsahealth.org