Panhandle Health District

                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Date:     August 31, 2009                        

Contact:                                                      Released by: Lora Whalen, Acting Director

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Vaccinations Against Seasonal Flu Available in Kellogg

Kellogg—Flu season this year will bring two viruses and two vaccines. The first vaccine available is for the common seasonal flu. The Panhandle Health District will hold seasonal flu vaccination clinics for adults Monday, Sept. 14, at Pinehurst Elementary and the Avista building in Kellogg.

              Seasonal flu kills 36,000 people in the United States every year and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people each year with complications. It hits young children, people older than 64 and anyone with a weakened immune system the hardest. Flu shots offer some protection from the virus. Good prevention practices include regular hand washing, covering your cough and sneezing into your sleeve.

              The seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that spreads quickly and easily. People with symptoms—fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, malaise—should stay home to protect others from catching the virus.

              With two flu viruses circulating—seasonal and the H1N1 flu virus—vaccination protection is particularly important this year.

              Panhandle Health District will offer seasonal flu vaccinations for adults Monday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Pinehurst Elementary in the gym and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Avista building in Kellogg. No appointments are needed.

              The seasonal flu vaccinations will cost $25 for adults. PHD will bill Medicaid and Medicare Part B and accept payment by cash.

              For PHD’s seasonal flu clinic schedule, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.