Flu clinic planned for next weekend
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 12, 2010 1:50 AM
On the heels of this week's announcement of two flu cases confirmed in the state, Wayne County Health Department will hold its first mass flu clinic on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
This year, only one vaccination will be required since it will also contain the 2009 H1N1 strain as part of the seasonal flu vaccine, officials said.
The N.C. Division of Public Health said the two reported cases of seasonal influenza were the first since last spring. Both were children from Durham County.
Flu vaccine is plentiful this year, the state said, and has already been made available in both injection and nasal spray forms at physicians' offices, health departments and chain and independent pharmacies.
The Centers for Disease Control and the N.C. Division of Public Health recommend that everyone over 6 months of age get the yearly vaccine. Children younger than 6 months are at risk of illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so those who care for them are advised to get vaccinated.
It is also recommended for those at risk of serious complications, including pregnant women, children, seniors and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
No appointment is necessary for the Saturday clinic. However,, to promote faster processing, an alphabetical system has been set up.
Residents are requested to report according to the following schedule, per the first letter of their last name: Letters A-F from 8-10 a.m.; G-L from 10 until noon; M-R from noon until 2 p.m.; and S-Z from 2-3 p.m.
Cost is $25, or free if qualified.
Health officials also said that those with Medicare, Medicare-HMO, Medicaid and Blue Cross and Blue Shield should bring membership cards to the appointment.
Registration forms can also be obtained in advance of the clinic, by visiting the website www.waynegov.com and downloading a copy from the Health Depart-ment's web page.