[Press Release] : Say 'Boo' to the Flu! event tomorrow

[Press Releases]

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MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Geni Alexander, Public Information Specialist - (573) 874-7632
or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Say 'Boo' to the Flu! event tomorrow

COLUMBIA, MO (October 29, 2008) - It is estimated that each year in the
United States more than 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are
hospitalized due to the flu. To help keep Boone County children
protected, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and
Human Services clinic is hosting its first Say “Boo” to the Flu!
event tomorrow from 2-6 p.m. at the health department clinic, 1005 West
Worley, in Columbia. 

Say “Boo” to the Flu! will give busy families an easy way to scare
away the flu virus in October, before flu season peaks. The
Halloween-themed event will offer face-painting and treats for kids (and
adults) who come in costume!

The vaccine is offered free to Medicaid and Medicare recipients and can
be purchased by others for $20. The health department accepts cash,
check or credit cards. For faster service, people can fill out the
required consent forms prior to arrival. To download the forms, visit
www.GoColumbiaMo.com and follow links to the health department’s
flu page. 

Information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
(DHSS) reports that in the United States, influenza is associated with
more than 36,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations annually.
According to DHSS, during the 2007-08 flu season, 2,614 deaths in
Missouri involved flu and pneumonia. 

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