Getting the flu can be a frightening experience, and that’s why the Bryan County Health Department wants Richmond Hill residents to say “boo” to the flu.
The health department will hold a walk-in flu vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the at the health department at the County Administrative Complex, 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive.
Flu vaccine will be available for $25. High-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older will be available for $40. Cash, Medicaid, and Medicare will be accepted and no appointment is necessary.
“Flu season is here and we hope that people will take advantage of this convenient walk-in clinic to protect themselves from the flu by getting vaccinated,” said Bryan County Health Department Nurse Manager, Joanne Burnsed, R.N.
The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against three strains of influenza virus, and neither the flu shot nor the nasal spray can cause the flu.
The shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.
The nasal spray is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Sally Silberman with Coastal Health District warned that flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
That’s why good health habits are also important, she said, including staying home when you’re sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
For more information on flu and flu vaccine, visit www.gachd.org/bryan and click on “Flu Information” in the upper right-hand corner of the page or to the CDC’s influenza web site at www.cdc.gov/flu.