[Press Release] : Columbia/Boone County Health Department reduces flu vaccine costs

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

Columbia/Boone County Health Department reduces flu vaccine costs

COLUMBIA, MO (January 8, 2008) - Effective immediately, the
Columbia/Boone County Health Department has reduced the cost of the flu
vaccine to $10. While the Health Department has depleted its Flu Mist
vaccine, there are approximately 800 flu shots still available.

With the recently announced, first statewide cultured-confirmed flu
case for the 2007-08 winter season, the Columbia/Boone County Health
Department strongly encourages the public to be vaccinated. According to
the Centers for Disease Control, the flu vaccination is 70-90 percent
effective in preventing the flu. The most vulnerable to the flu includes
adults 50 years or older, children six months to 5 years old, pregnant
women and those with chronic medical conditions.

The Health Department cannot bill private insurances however; they do
accept Medicaid and Medicare. Those interested in being vaccinated
should visit the Health Department during business hours, Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In addition to being vaccinated, the Health Department recommends other
practices that can reduce the chance of getting sick with the flu.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Stay home from school or work when you are sick.
● Cover your mouth and nose when you are coughing or sneezing.
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.

For more information on the flu, please visit www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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