Panhandle Health District

                                                               8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     September 11, 2009                  

Contact:                                                                            Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Seasonal Flu Shots for Adults Offered

Hayden—The Panhandle Health District (PHD) will offer seasonal flu shots for adults on a first come, first served basis on Friday, Sept. 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at its Hayden office, 8500 N. Atlas Rd.

              Flu shots for adults cost $25. PHD accepts Medicaid, Medicare Part B, cash and checks. No appointments are necessary.

              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.

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