The shots for seniors and people who have severe illness or complications if they get the flu, will begin on Thursday, October 24 at the Senior Citizens Center at 211 Bodem Street from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Interview opportunities with RoseAnn Peterson, Immunization nurse will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Photo opportunities available throughout the day.

Previously sent background information on flu
John Walker, M.D., Public Health Officer for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) M.D. said “Annual flu shots are important for seniors because seniors are more likely than others to become seriously ill if they get the flu.” Flu shots will be given at eleven senior citizen nutrition sites as well as at fifteen other locations in Stanislaus County (schedule enclosed). Senior flu clinics are beginning October 24, 2002.

A flu shot is needed every year, because the flu virus changes its profile each year. The 2002-03 influenza vaccine contains antigens to provide protection against the three strains of influenza viruses expected to cause illness this winter.

Seniors are not the only ones who need the flu vaccine. Other persons who are more likely to have severe illness or complications if they get the flu include those at any age with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems. Even healthy infants between 6 and 24 months and adults over the age of 50 years have a greater chance of problems if they get the flu. Finally, anyone who wishes to decrease their risk of illness from the flu should obtain the vaccine, but they should wait until November, so those at highest risk can be immunized first.

Most flu seasons actually begin in January or February, so November and December are excellent months to obtain a flu shot. Last year 9,427 county residents received flu shots through the Stanislaus County Public Health Services’ program.

If the public would like more information, they should contact the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency’s Public Health Services at 558-8872.

Complete schedule of flu clinics is attached on the next page.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 10 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site at www.hsahealth.org