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Health Department Offering Flu Shots

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

Published: October 10, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Flu season has returned, so Pasco County Health Department officials are offering vaccination shots to avoid the aches, pains and fever from the highly infectious disease.

The Health Department will begin offering flu shots as of Oct. 15, County Health Officer Dr. David Johnson reports.

"Flu vaccines decrease the chance of getting seasonal influenza, thereby protecting ourselves and others," Johnson said in a press release.

Flu season can continue through February or later, so Pasco residents need to be prepared.

Influenza is a contagious and potentially serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Health officials recommend flu shots for everyone, but especially for individuals in the following groups:

• Individuals age 50 and older.

• Residents of and staff of long-term care facilities.

• Persons with chronic medical conditions and their household contacts.

• Children aged six months to five years of age, their household contacts and out-of-home caregivers.

• Pregnant women or women who will be pregnant during flu season.

• Health care personnel.

• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months of age.

Pasco residents can get a flu shot at their own doctor's offices, area walk-in clinics, at flu shot events hosted by local supermarkets and other public places.

The Health Department also will offer them starting next week at the agency's two West Pasco locations:

• 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey. The telephone number is 727-861-5260.

• 11511 Denton Ave., Hudson. The telephone number is 727-863-2444.

Call the nearest Health Department office about appointments.

The cost of a flu shot at the Health Department is $25. Pneumonia vaccines will also be available.

People paying with checks should bring their Medicare cards, health insurance cards and photo IDs.

In addition to vaccination, people can reduce their risks by following a few simple steps, local health experts advise:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home.

• Avoid crowds where people are likely to be coughing and sneezing.

• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then put used tissues in a waste container and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

Go to the Health Department Web site for more information.

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