National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 8-14, 2013
Don’t let coughing, sneezing, fever, chills and nausea ruin your holiday plans this flu season. National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 8-14 and Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages all residents to get their flu vaccine.
“Preventative actions such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and frequently washing your hands can help guard you from the flu.” said Karen Thomas of Director of Immunizations at CDPH. “However the best way to protect against influenza is to receive an annual flu vaccine.”
Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, everyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older receive their flu vaccine – whether that’s through a flu shot or the nasal spray. Getting a flu vaccine is more convenient than ever before. Vaccines are available between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday at most CDPH locations.
The cost of the vaccine at CDPH is $20 for each dose of regular flu and $40 for the high dose (recommended for people 65 or older). CDPH accepts Medicaid, Medicare, SHBP Cigna, SHBP United Health Care and Most BCBS PPO plans.
National Influenza Vaccination Week emphasizes the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccination. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. So this winter, get immunized!
For more information, call Cobb & Douglas Public Health at 770-514-2300 or visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org. You can also visit the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website at dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.