Modesto Bee Article
By Ken Carlson, Staff Reporter
last updated: October 08, 2008 03:18:22 AM
Stanislaus County health officials are making their annual push for flu vaccinations.
The county Health Services Agency has scheduled 30 flu shot clinics in a dozen communities from this month to December. Seniors can get a flu shot from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday at the Healthy Aging Summit at Modesto Centre Plaza at Ninth and K streets. The theme of the sixth annual summit is preventing falls.
In a new advisory from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu shots are recommended for children ages 6 months to 18 years old. Before this year, health officials recommended a shot for children younger than 5.
"Children are at higher risk of having more complications when they get the flu," said Phoebe Leung, assistant director of the county Health Services Agency.
Flu shots are recommended for adults 50 and older; women who are pregnant during the flu season; people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease; and anyone working in a health care setting.
Health officials expect that enough vaccine will be available for adults of any age to get a shot this year.
Stanislaus County's public flu clinics mainly are for residents meeting income guidelines. The cost is $10 per child; $20 for adults. Vaccinations are available for adults of any age, Leung said.
People with private insurance can ask their physicians for a shot; vaccinations are available at pharmacies.
According to government statistics, 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population catches the flu during the season running from late fall to spring. The respiratory illness, with symptoms including a high fever, headaches, tiredness, sore throat and stuffy nose, annually sends more than 200,000 people to the hospital. About 36,000 flu-related deaths occur every year, most often among the elderly.
"As the flu season is approaching, it is important to take action to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu," said Dr. John Walker, Stanislaus County's public health officer. "The best way is to get vaccinated."
Other ways to keep from spreading flu viruses include hand washing, covering your mouth with your sleeve when coughing and staying home from work when ill.
Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@modbee.com or 578-2321.
