FLU SHOTS TO BEGIN IN MONROE COUNTY

The Monroe County Health Department has received its first shipments of flu vaccine. Residents may come to the health department in Paris beginning Monday, October 2, to receive immunizations.

MCHD staff will hold special flu clinics around the county to better serve all residents. Please see the accompanying ad for the schedule of clinics.

Routine clinic hours at the health department are every Monday, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Patrons may come to the health department for a flu shot at any time, but should first check to see if a nurse is available.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, if possible. However, getting vaccinated later is OK. Vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even in January or later. Some children who have received flu vaccine previously and children who have only received one dose in their lifetime, may need two doses of flu vaccine. Children younger than 6 months are at higher risk of serious flu complications, but are too young to get a flu vaccine. Because of this, safeguarding them from flu is especially important. If you live with or care for an infant younger than 6 months of age, you should get a flu vaccine to help protect them from flu. Also, studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy can protect the baby after birth for several months.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you and your loved ones can take everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.

Flu Clinics offered by Monroe County Health Department

Tuesday, October 10

4:00 pm –

6:00 pm

Madison Library

Thursday,

October 12

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center

Wednesday,

October 18

5:00 pm –

7:00 pm

Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center

Thursday, October 26

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center

Mondays

8:00 am –

10:00 am

Monroe County Health Department, Paris

Daily

Whenever a nurse is available

Monroe County Health Department, Paris

For further information, please call the Monroe County Health Department at (660) 327-4653.