Influenza season is beginning and Fayette Senior Services is ready. In collaboration with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Fayette Senior Services is offering flu shots at its 8th annual Health and Wellness Fair November 1, at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville from 9 a.m. to Noon. Flu shots are free for Medicare Part B participants and $25 for all other individuals. Pneumonia shots will also be available.

Health and Wellness Fair attendees can also take advantage of getting health screenings such as blood pressure, bone density and glucose testing. Medical referrals for mammograms and colorectal testing will also be offered and Georgia Cares will be available to answer Medicare questions. A healthy snack bar sponsored by Ashley Glen Assisted Living will be on-site and area businesses will showcase a wide variety of health and wellness related products and services.

The ARC’s Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration (SPARC) initiative brings together the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging and Fayette County community partners. The goal is to improve access to preventive services and increase the number of individuals, particularly older adults. SPARC Fayette community partners include: Fayette Senior Services, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Piedmont Physicians Group, Digestive Healthcare of Georgia and the Fayette County Health Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

In addition to the Health and Wellness Fair, Fayette Senior Services is also making flu shots available through its election day “Vote & Vax” program held on November 6, 2007 at various polling places throughout Fayette County. Times vary at each location. For a list of Vote & Vax locations call the Flu Shot Hotline at 770-719-5699, visit www.fayss.org or call Fayette Senior Services at 770-461-0813.