Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses . It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. Each year in the United States on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Prevent Getting and Spreading the Seasonal Flu

• Get a seasonal flu shot when available
  
• Stay home from work or school
• Cover your cough with your arm or tissue
• Wash your hands often and use alcohol–based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol)
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people

Stay Informed!

“When” to get a flu shot?:

“Getting the vaccine as soon as it is available will provide protection if the flu season comes early. You can get the vaccine as long as illness is occurring in your community. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from November through May. In recent seasons, most infections have occurred in January and February.   Getting vaccinated in December, or even later, will still be beneficial in most years.”      It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot. Protection lasts about a year. Source: CDC

When will the County Health Department start giving flu shots?:

District Health does not anticipate having any flu clinics until the Coshocton County Fair (Oct . 5 & 6).   If we get the rest of our vaccine (our entire order) some clinics might be scheduled for the end of September depending on supply. Most flu shot clinics will be scheduled for after the fair.  Call 622-1426 for more information.

The Maternal & Child Health Center (MCH) will begin giving flu shots to children when flu vaccine arrives. We anticipate vaccine will arrive in October.   Call 622-2999 for more information.

  Cost of flu shots:

District Health-Cost of flu shots for adults will be $25.00 Medicare Part B will be accepted and billed.   We will not bill other managed care providers. People who have other managed care plans will be issued a receipt and they must submit the paperwork themselves for reimbursement.  

Maternal & Child Health Appointments for children, 6 months-18 years of age can be made through the MCH. Cost of flu shots will be based on a sliding fee scale.  No one will be turned away based on inability to pay.

Who should get a flu shot?:

All people 6 months and older should get a flu shot.   People who got the 2009 H1N1 vaccine or had H1N1 in 2009 should still get a flu shot.   There will not be a separate vaccine for H1N1 this year.