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For Immediate Release Date: September 26, 2016 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055 Hannah Goering (847) 377-8099
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Waukegan, Ill.
–The Lake
County Health Department/Community Health Center is encouraging residents to
get a flu vaccine this fall. For the 2015-2016 flu season, two deaths and 31
intensive care unit admissions were associated with complications brought on by
influenza in Lake County.
"Those
six months of age or older should get a flu vaccine annually, especially
children younger than 5, adults 65 years of age and older, and those with
conditions such as asthma or diabetes,” said Mark Pfister, the Health
Department’s Interim Executive Director. “Influenza is a respiratory illness
that is highly contagious and it can take a severe toll on an individual’s
health, affecting work, school or recreational opportunities. A flu vaccine not
only protects you, but also those around you.”
People who
have the flu can spread the virus by coughing or sneezing. Droplets released
when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks can land in the mouths or noses of
people who are nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. People
may also catch the flu by touching their mouth or nose after touching something
with the virus on it, such as doorknobs, tables, or an infected person’s dirty
hand.
Getting vaccinated before
flu activity begins helps protect you once the flu season starts in your
community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune
response to fully respond and for you to be protected so make plans to get
vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. However,
getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial. The CDC recommends ongoing
flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, even into January
or later.
The Health
Department is encouraging residents to remember these important health
recommendations:
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The
most important step in protection against the flu is getting an annual flu
vaccine.
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Take
everyday preventive steps, such as staying away from sick people and washing
your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
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If
you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading
influenza to others.
The Health
Department is offering the flu vaccine by appointment only at the Immunizations
Clinic at 2303 Dodge Avenue in Waukegan. It is offering the quadrivalent vaccine,
which offers protection against four different flu viruses. A high-dose vaccine
is available for the elderly and a vaccine manufactured without the use of eggs
is available for those with egg allergies. The costs vary by type of flu
vaccine administered, and start at $33 per dose. Children 0 thru 18 years of
age who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program will have a lower fee,
and eligibility will be evaluated at the time of the visit. Contact the Immunization Program
to determine if your insurance is accepted at this facility. The CDC recommends that the nasal
spray not be used this year.
For more
specific information, visit: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/1871/Influenza or contact the Health Department’s
Immunizations Program at: (847) 377-8470.
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