Imperial County starts offering seasonal flu shots

Flu season will soon be upon us, and Imperial County Public Health Department wants you to be protected.

On Tuesday it began offering flu shots to the Valley’s senior citizens. Vaccines are available at all regularly scheduled senior clinics.

It will begin administering shots to those six-months and older on Wednesday, October 2. Vaccines are just $5 each.

Flu shots will be available at the Public Health Department on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Local doctors, community clinics, and local pharmacies will also offer the vaccine.

Public Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday tells us, ” The flu vaccine takes about two-weeks to become effective, and the Public Health Department strongly advises all individuals who are eligible, to get their flu shots early to lessen their risk of contracting the flu this flue season… ”

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. It’s effects can range from very mild to extremely severe. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever Headache Extreme fatigue Dry cough Sore throat Runny (or stuffy) nose Muscle aches The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says every year 5% to 20% of Americans get the flu. The illness sends more than 200-thousand people to the hospital annually. It also kills around 36-thousand people every year.

The very young, the very old, and those with compromised immune systems typically suffer the worst flu complications.

Health officials say a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the sickness.

For more information on the vaccine or upcoming clinics, call (442) 265-1386. Or, you can find a clinic by clicking here: Health Map Vaccine Finder.