FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kim Taylor, (251) 946-8039

Clarke County agencies will come together to offer residents a special drive-through influenza clinic on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Alabama National Guard Armory in Grove Hill from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The armory is located at 22511 Highway 84.

This clinic is a collaborative effort between the Clarke County Health Department, Clarke County Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, local medical providers and local law enforcement. In addition to providing a valuable health service, this clinic will serve as a realtime exercise that demonstrates established emergency protocols for any future occurrence that would require mass public vaccination.

Persons 65 years of age and older have a significantly increased risk for developing complications from influenza. Flu vaccine is highly effective in preventing this potentially serious illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The charge for flu shots will be $15. Medicare and Medicaid recipients will receive the vaccine at no cost when they present their Medicare or Medicaid card. No one will be denied services due to the inability to pay.

Flu outbreaks generally occur from November to March in Alabama. The symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue. For most people the flu only lasts a few days, but for others it can lead to pneumonia and breathing problems. In children, it can cause high fever and seizures.

In addition to getting a flu shot, the public is reminded to follow basic infection control measures. These include covering your coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing.

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9/29/11