Counties Plan Flu Clinics

Oct 06, 11:57 AM

Current Headlines: By High Point Enterprise, N.C.

Oct. 6--TRIAD -- County health agencies have scheduled influenza vaccine clinics this month for high-risk children and adults.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is offering free flu shots for high-risk children at the 501 E. Green Drive, High Point, office and the 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, site.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages parents to get vaccinations for all children 6 to 59 months of age, and high-risk children 6 months to 18 years of age also should be vaccinated. Any child 6 months to 18 years of age who lives with a high-risk child or adult also should be vaccinated. Flu shots for these children are free by appointment.

The agency will hold adult flu clinics Oct. 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29 at the Greensboro and High Point locations from 4:45-6:45 p.m. The flu shot costs $25 per dose. Health insurance may pay part of the cost.

The Randolph County Health Department will start a series of $12 shot clinics Oct. 12 for high-risk adults and children: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 12 at Oakhurst Baptist Church, Asheboro; 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 18, Archdale Friends Meeting, Archdale; 9-11:30 a.m., Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Liberty.

The Davidson County Health Department will offer flu and pneumonia vaccines by appointment starting Oct. 17: Davidson County Health Department, Lexington, 1-6 p.m., Oct. 17; County Health Department, Thomasville, 15 p.m., Oct. 23; Central United Methodist Church, Denton, 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 25. Therewill be a $22 charge for the flu vaccine and a $38 charge for the pneumonia vaccine, or the department will bill Medicare/ Medicaid for the shot.

Cash, check and debit or credit cards also will be accepted for payment.

High-risk adults include people over age 50 and others with chronic medical conditions, health and elder care workers and women who may become pregnant during the flu season.

In addition to getting a flu shot, health experts recommend these infection-reducing measures: ?Frequent and thorough hand washing; ?Coughing and sneezing into your bended elbow or sleeve; ?Staying home when you are sick; ?Staying away from others who are sick; ?Eating healthy foods; and ?Getting enough rest to avoid flu and other viruses and colds.

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