Placer County Health and Human Services will host two more opportunities for residents to get low-cost flu shots at local clinics.
For most people, getting the flu means feeling achy and feverish for a week or so. But for some people the flu can be much more serious, even deadly. Each year in the U.S., an average of 36,000 people die, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu complications.
Fortunately, there are actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this year. First, take time to get a flu vaccine. A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu, and this year there is an all-time high supply of vaccine.
"Flu season usually peaks in the winter and can last into the spring, so this is still a good time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and those close to you," said Dr. Mark Starr, Director of the Placer County Community Health and Clinics Division. “There’s plenty of vaccine this year, so consider attending one of our convenient clinics.”
Here are the details about Placer County’s remaining flu clinics:
- Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Multipurpose Senior Center in Auburn, 11577 E Avenue, Placer County Government Center (DeWitt).
- Thursday, Dec. 11, 9 AM to Noon, at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Roseville, 110 Park Drive.
Flu shots are $20. The cost may be reduced based on income (sliding fee scale). There is no charge to MediCare members with Part B who can show their MediCare cards and who are not enrolled in an HMO plan.
There is plenty of flu vaccine which would benefit virtually anyone who wants a flu shot, however the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health recommend that the following higher risk groups receive flu vaccinations:
- Adults aged 50 and older.
- All women who are or will be pregnant during influenza season.
- All children 6 months to 18 years of age.
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
- Healthcare workers with direct patient care. New state law requires acute care hospitals to offer vaccine to all employees free of charge.
- Individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals who live with or care for an elderly individual, a child less than 5 years of age, or a person with chronic medical conditions.
Children younger than nine years of age getting a flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of flu vaccine. This year in addition to flu injections, Placer County has available limited amounts of vaccine that can be administered by nasal spray rather than by injection for those who meet medical guidelines.