The Bryan County Health Department now has flu vaccine available for the general public.
Cost for both the injectable shot and nasal-spray form is $25. A high-dose flu vaccine also is being offered for people ages 65 and older for $40 per dose.
Getting vaccinated against the flu is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Neither the flu shot nor the nasal spray can cause the flu.
The shot is approved for use in healthy people 6 months of age and older, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.
The spray is approved for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant.
The flu virus is spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Good health habits include:
• staying home when sick
• avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• coughing or sneezing into an elbow and not a hand
• washing hands often with soap and water
• avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
Adults who visit the health department or their health-care provider to get the flu vaccine are encouraged to ask about additional vaccinations that can help protect them against potentially harmful diseases.
A questionnaire about recommended adult vaccines can be found by going to www.gachd.org and clicking on the “Immunizations and Vaccinations” link under the Quick Links menu. The questionnaire is listed under the “Adult Immunizations” heading.
For more information, call the Bryan County Health Department in Richmond Hill at 756-2611 or in Pembroke at 653-4331.