The Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program will be hosting a series of FREE Adult and Family Flu Clinics throughout the months of October and November. The first clinic will take place Sunday, October 9, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Celebrando.
Cases of influenza can show up as early as October and the flu season continues through February. Everyone in the community, who can get vaccinated, should get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection against the flu. As the number of vaccinated individuals in a community increases, the likelihood that a person who has not been vaccinated coming into contact with the virus decreases.
“Those who cannot receive the vaccine, including infants under 6 months of age, rely on others being vaccinated to help protect them,” Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye, said, “The earlier people get vaccinated, the better. It takes two weeks for the protective properties of the vaccine to take effect.”
In the US, over the past 30 years, there have been an estimated 3,000 deaths in a mild flu season to as many as 49,000 deaths in a severe flu season. Those most vulnerable to the flu are elderly, children under 6 months of age and individuals with a compromised immune system such as those living with HIV, diabetes or those going through chemotherapy.
Flu shots will be available for persons over 6 months of age without medical contraindication to receive the vaccine. FluMist is not available in the 2016/2017 flu season. Donations will be accepted but not required. For questions or to find out more about the vaccination clinics, contact the Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program at (916) 875-7468.
