Wednesday, September 25, 2002

Flu season is on the horizon

The shortages and delays oflast year seem to be a thing of the past. We here at the Fayette County Health Department are happy to say that we have received our full shipment of influenza vaccine for the season. That means that we have been able to plan for our yearly flu clinic at the department, and at other events and sites around the county.

The 4-day flu clinic, which will be held at the Fayette County Health Department, will be Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 15-18, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day.During that week, all routine appointment slots will be removed to allow the public to walk in and get their flu shots.As is appropriate, we would like to make certain that those at "high risk" receive their immunization first.

High-risk categories are as follows:

· Persons aged 65 years or older.

· Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilitiesthat house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions.

· Adults and children aged 6 months and older who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma.

· Adults and children aged 6 months and older who haverequired regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during thepreceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), kidney dysfunction, blooddisorders, or immune system problems.

· Children and teenagers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who arereceiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza infection.

· Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

We are also to immunize those who can transmit influenza to persons at high risk, i.e.:

· Those who work in a medical setting, including emergency response workers.

· Employees of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities and assisted living residences who come in contact with patients or residents.

· Persons who provide home care to persons in high-risk groups.

· Household members (including children 6 months of age and older) of persons in high-risk groups.

If you do not fit into one of the above "high risk" categories, please don't worry.Simply come in during the next week or thereafter for your immunization.We will continue to give flu vaccine until our total order has been depleted.

Our flu season in Georgia generally lasts from late December through the first week of February.The number of confirmed flu cases usually peaks the first or second week of January.It takes at least 30 days for immunity to develop after the influenza vaccine is given, therefore we would advise that individuals at normal risk levels receive their shot by the last week of November, or first week of December. Vaccination against several types of pneumonia is also available.This is particularly recommended for persons over age 65, or anyone with a chronic illness. Boosters are necessary only in a very few cases.

The cost for the flu vaccination is $15.We accept cash, checks, or Part B Medicare (please be sure to bring your Medicare card with you).Medicare HMOs will not cover the cost of this vaccine being delivered by the health department, but will cover the cost if you receive it from your primary care provider (and you will not be billed for an office visit in most cases).

The fee for the Pneumococcal vaccine is $25, and must be paid by cash or check. Clients must be 18 years old or older to receive the vaccination; or must otherwise be accompanied by a parent.Children 5 years old or younger must have a physician's prescription/order to receive the vaccine.

If you have further questions please contact the Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178, ext. 5416.Information can also be found on our website: www.fayettecountyhealthdepartment.org.