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 St. Maries
St. Maries—Flu season this year will bring two viruses and two vaccines. The first vaccine available is for the common seasonal flu. Panhandle Health District will start its seasonal flu vaccination clinics for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Maries Meal Site.
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.
Thanks to the Area Agency on Aging, Panhandle Health District will offer at the meal site a limited number of free seasonal flu vaccinations for people between the ages of 60 and 64 who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. 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 or check. For more information, call 245-4556.
For PHD’s seasonal flu clinic schedule, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.