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Flu season just around the corner
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Published: September 13, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY - With sauna-like summer days lingering on, people might not be focused yet on the fall flu season.
Big mistake, county health officials caution.
Pasco County Health Department already has begun stockpiling some vaccines, according to Carol Cummins, nursing director.
A record amount of vaccine, up to 146 million doses, is expected to be distributed this fall.
Plans are set for a Drive Thru Flu Shot Event on Thursday, Oct. 16, where drivers don't even have to get out of their cars to get a shot in the arm against flu bugs.
"We have some flu vaccine already and we are expecting more," Cummins said. "We plan to be just as active as always to be sure that the flu vaccine is given."
The Health Department is "encouraging all children aged 6 months and older to get the vaccine as they are a major carrier of the virus," Cummins added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants all citizens, especially the very young and senior citizens, to get these much-needed immunizations, according to Deanna Krautner, health education and communication coordinator for the county health agency.
To spread the word before the flu bugs spread, the Health Department has a team of public health nurses that are available to speak to clubs, civic associations or church groups about the need for flu, pneumonia and tetanus shots, Krautner pointed out.
For instance, CDC recommends all children between ages 6 months and 18 years get inoculated, unless they have a serious egg allergy. The guidelines used to recommend flu shots for children under 5 or those with chronic illnesses such as asthma.
Drive-Through Clinic
To make it easier than ever to get a flu vaccine shot, the health department once again is sponsoring its popular Drive Thru Flu Shot program.
"Get a flu shot in the comfort of your own car!" a headline blares on fliers the health department is passing around.
The event will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 8014 S.R. 52, Hudson.
People can pay the $25 drive-through flu shot fee with cash or check.
Flu shot appointments
For more information, go online at the Pasco health department site at www.doh.state.fl.us/chdpasco>.
To schedule appointments for flu shots, call the New Port Richey Health Department office at 10841 Little Road at 727-861-5260, or the Hudson office at 11511 Denton Ave. at 727-863-2444.
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