[Press Release] : Health Department fall flu clinic schedule available

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Deidre Wood, Public Information Specialist - (573) 874-7632,
dfwood at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Health Department fall flu clinic schedule available 

COLUMBIA, MO (October 11, 2007) - According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 36,000 deaths
every year from influenza. The Columbia/Boone County Health Department
strongly encourages residents to protect themselves and their family
through immunization.

The Health Department has finalized a clinic schedule where both flu
shots and FluMist® will be available. Flu vaccine will only be available
during these times.

Oct. 24: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m., The Columbia/ Boone County Health
Department, high-risk only* (Persons over the age of 50 or those with a
chronic medical condition.)

Oct. 31: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Columbia/ Boone County Health Department,
open to the public

Nov. 7: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Columbia/Boone County Health Department,
open to the public

Flu shots and FluMist® are $20 during the Columbia/Boone County Health
Department flu clinics. Although the Health Department cannot bill
private insurances, Medicaid and Medicare can be billed.

To help ensure that those at high risk of complications from influenza
receive the vaccine, the Oct. 24 clinic will only be available to those
who are over age 50 or those with a chronic medical condition or
weakened immune system. Chronic medical conditions include lung, heart
or kidney diseases, diabetes, asthma, cancer and blood disorders.

The CDC defines additional individuals who are at risk for having
complications due to influenza:
● residents of long-term care facilities 
● children age 6-23 months 
● pregnant women 
● health-care personnel who provide direct patient care 
● household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than
6 months old 

In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, there are other practices
that can help reduce the chance of getting the flu. These include
avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home from
school or work when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose when you
are coughing or sneezing, and washing your hands frequently with soap
and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Besides offering flu immunizations, pneumonia vaccine will also be
available at the clinics for $30. Citizens should check with their
physician first to determine if they should consider getting this
vaccine.

Residents are also encouraged to check with their health care provider
for vaccine availability and clinics being held in the community. For
more information on influenza or to learn of other local clinics, please
visit the city's Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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