FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  John Hooper, (205) 685-4195

The Shelby County Health Department will hold a drive-through influenza vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the Verizon Wireless Music Center West Parking Lot, 1000 Amphitheater Road, Pelham, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. No appointment is needed for this special clinic.

At the drive-through, health department staff will take information and administer vaccinations without people having to leave their vehicles. This will be both quick and convenient.

Getting an annual flu vaccination is important, because each year the flu affects between 5 and 20 percent of our population, causes around 200,000 hospitalizations, and results in about 36,000 deaths in the U.S.

“Be immunized to protect yourself and others from influenza,” said John Hooper, emergency preparedness coordinator, Public Health Area 5. “We expect to have an ample supply of vaccine, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Influenza vaccine will be offered to all citizens, but it is especially important for those at high risk of contracting flu or of being more severely affected if they do.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination of all persons 6 months of age and older. Influenza vaccination is especially recommended for the following persons who are at higher risk of influenza-related complications:

• Children aged 6 months through 18 years, including those on long-term aspirin therapy
• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Adults and children with chronic disorders
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Persons who are immunosuppressed

In addition, influenza vaccination is also especially recommended for

• Health-care workers
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged 0-59 months and adults ages 50 and older

Anyone else who wishes to reduce the chance of contracting influenza should get a flu shot. The vaccine this year protects against three influenza viruses, one of which is the H1N1 virus. People who received the H1N1 vaccine last year still need to be vaccinated with the seasonal vaccine this year to have protection against all three flu strains.

The normal health department flu vaccine fee of $5 will apply, but no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay. Citizens are asked to bring their insurance card. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance will be accepted.

Regular daily health department services will not be affected.

The Shelby County Health Department is partnering with the following agencies and organizations to provide this vital service to the public:

• City of Pelham Fire and Police
• Jefferson State Community College
• Pelham Civic Center
• Shelby CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
• Shelby County EMA (Emergency Management Agency)
• Shelby County Government
• Shelby County Red Cross
• Verizon Wireless Music Center
• Wallace State Community College

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10/19/10