Panhandle Health District

                                                             8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          Date:     August 21, 2009                        

Contact:                                                 Released by: Lora Whalen, Assistant Director    

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Seasonal Flu Vaccinations Start Sept. 4

Hayden—Flu season this year will bring two viruses and two vaccines. The first vaccine available is for the common seasonal flu. Panhandle Health District (PHD) vaccination clinics for the seasonal flu will begin on Sept. 4 at the Super One in Hayden.

              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.

              PHD in Kootenai County will provide seasonal flu vaccinations for adults at the Super One in Hayden, on U.S. Hwy. 95 and Hayden Avenue, on Friday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon.

              Vaccinations cost $25 for adults. PHD will bill Medicaid and Medicare Part B or accept only cash and checks.