Flu vaccines available throughout area
Health department offers residents six chances to get seasonal flu vaccines
The Grundy County Health Department is preparing to provide six opportunities for county residents to receive flu shots.
The health department will offer seasonal flu vaccines, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29 through Tuesday, Oct. 20. Flu shots will be offered in Morris, Mazon, Gardner and Coal City.
Cost is $30.00. Cash or checks made out to the Grundy County Health Department.
If you present your Medicare card, there will be no direct cost to you. There are no appointments taken for these clinics.
It is recommended that all persons over the age of 6 months receive the seasonal flu vaccine annually.
Children less than 9 years of age need to receive two vaccines separated by four weeks the first year they receive the flu vaccine.
The health department has also preregistered to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine currently is still in clinical trials.
The anticipated delivery is expected for mid October.
Due to the fact that trials are ongoing, specific guidelines have not yet been determined. It is possible that the H1N1 vaccine could require two doses separated by three weeks. Cost has not yet been set.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the following are priority groups to receive the vaccine: pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children under the age of six months, health care and emergency services personnel, all persons six months to 24 years of age and persons 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
The easiest and simplest way to avoid the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently.
Do not go to work or school if you are ill. Do not return to work or school until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication.
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza may be taken when the initial symptoms of the flu present to decrease the severity and length of illness.
Contact your doctor or the communicable disease nurse at the Grundy County Health Department at (815) 941-3126 if you have questions.
The Grundy County Health Department’s schedule for seasonal flu vaccines will be as follows:
• Tuesday, Sept. 29 (9 a.m. to noon), Grundy County Health Dept.
• Monday, Oct. 5 (8-11 a.m.), Mazon Middle School
• Wednesday, Oct. 7 (8:30-11 a.m.), Gardner Methodist Church
• Thursday, Oct. 8 (1:30-5:30 p.m.), Grundy County Health Dept.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14 (1-4 p.m.), Coal City Baptist Church
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 (1-4 p.m.), Grundy County Health Dept.
