Lane County News: Plan to Get Your Flu Vaccine

Lane County Public Health reminds the community to plan to get their flu vaccine. The season’s first shipment of influenza vaccine has arrived at Lane County Public Health.

"We are pleased that we are able to offer flu vaccinations right at the start of the season this year," said Betsy Meredith, Lane County Public Health nursing supervisor. "Getting your flu shot in October is a good idea for anyone who wants to avoid getting or spreading the flu this season. It is especially important for people in high risk groups including the elderly."

High risk groups include anyone over age 50, especially those with health problems; residents of long-term care facilities; any person six months or older with certain chronic medical conditions; pregnant women; health care personnel; household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children from birth to up to 5 years of age; and children ages six months to 5 years. Parents of young children are encouraged to have them vaccinated at their medical provider’s office or by appointment at Lane County Public Health located at 135 E. Sixth Avenue in Eugene.

For those who don’t fall into a group at high risk for medical complications, public health encourages you to consider that you may be around high risk people in your home, at work, or out in the community while doing errands or attending events.

"Getting your flu shot is good for your health but it is also very important in helping to protect the health of others in the community," said Meredith.

Because of budget reductions and staffing shortages, all Lane County Public Health Adult Flu Shot Clinics will be held at the public health building located at 135 E. Sixth Avenue in Eugene. Parking is limited and people should bring parking money and plan for a walk to the clinic.

Clinics will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. each Friday in October. The first clinic is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3. For a complete listing of clinics and up-to-date flu immunization information, call the Lane County Public Health Flu Line at 682-4181 or log on to www.lanecounty.org.

Children’s flu vaccinations, as well as other immunizations, are available by appointment by calling 682-4041. This year the CDC has recommended that all children from age 6 months to 18 years receive flu shots. Children under the age of 9 who are receiving their first flu shot this season will need a second flu shot one month later in order to provide the best immune response. Children under the age of 9 who received two flu vaccinations in a previous season and children over the age of 9 need only one flu vaccination each year.

The Lane County Public Health Flu Line, at 682-4181, has more complete information about both adult and children’s flu immunizations.

Adult flu shots are $25 at Lane County Public Health clinics. Pneumonia shots are $42 and are available to those who are 65 years of age and older who have never had one.

Public Health is able to bill the Oregon Health Plan and most primary Medicare insurance. Please bring your primary Medicare or Oregon Health Plan insurance information with you to the clinic. Cash, personal check, or VISA/MasterCard is also accepted.

Flu, or influenza as it more properly called, is a severe respiratory illness. According to the CDC, every year in the United States an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets sick with it; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some, including older people, young children; and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall, but other measures can help protect against the flu.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Practicing healthy habits will help you stay healthy during flu season and all year long.

Amber Fossen
Public Information Officer
Lane County Government
125 E. Eighth Ave.
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 682.3718
(541) 359.9143 (cell)

^{Lane County Government provides for the safety and security of Lane County’s 343,000 citizens through public safety, public works, human services, elections, vital records and other systems}

Lane County, Oregon	eGovernment

News Release



News \| 2008