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Health department encourages getting immunized against flu Influenza immunization clinics are scheduled throughout the state beginning in October through the end of the influenza season. County health departments and other health care providers in Alabama expect to have plenty of influenza vaccine for the 2007-2008 season. Annual influenza immunization is recommended for most people, beginning for children at age 6 months to protect against outbreaks which generally occur from November to March in Alabama. Typical symptoms of the flu include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and often extreme fatigue. The public is reminded to follow basic infection control measures to help prevent the spread of the flu. These include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or cloth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when sick and washing hands frequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include: •People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs •People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past •People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously •Children less than 6 months of age •People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever. These persons should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen Contact your private physician or your local county health department for a flu clinic schedule. Free drive-through clinic to be offiered Clarke County residents can receive a free influenza (flu) shot in the comfort of their automobile Oct. 19, from 7 a.m until at the National Guard Armory in Grove Hill. This special clinic is a collaborative effort between the Clarke County Health Department, the Clarke County Emergency Management Agency and other local organizations. In addition to providing a valuable health service, this clinic will serve as a real time exercise that demonstrates established emergency protocols for any future occurrence that would require mass vaccination.
For more information on the drive-thru flu clinic, call Clarke County Health Department at 251-275-3772.
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