Etowah County Health Department To Hold Drive-Through Clinic Oct. 15

The Etowah County Health Department will hold a drive-through influenza vaccination clinic on
Friday, Oct. 15, at the North Glencoe Baptist Church, 1119 Chastain Blvd., Gadsden, from 8
a.m. until 5 p.m. No appointment is needed for this special clinic.


At the drive-through, health department staff will take information and administer vaccinations
without people having to leave their vehicles. This will be both quick and convenient.


Getting an annual flu vaccination is important, because each year the flu affects between 5 and
20 percent of our population, causes around 200,000 hospitalizations, and results in about
36,000 deaths in the U.S.


"Be immunized to protect yourself and others from influenza," said John Hooper, emergency
preparedness coordinator, Public Health Area 5. "We expect to have an ample supply of
vaccine, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity."


Influenza vaccine will be offered to all citizens, but it is especially important for those at high risk
of contracting flu or being more severely affected if they do.


The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination of all persons 6 months of age and older.
Influenza vaccination is especially recommended for the following persons who are at higher
risk of influenza-related complications:


* Children aged 6 months through 18 years, including those on long-term aspirin therapy

* Adults aged 50 years and older

* Adults and children with chronic disorders

* Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

* Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

* Persons who are immunosuppressed

* Health-care workers

* Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged 0-59 months and adults
ages 50 and older


Anyone else who wishes to reduce the chance of contracting influenza should get a flu shot.
The vaccine this year protects against three influenza viruses, one of which is the H1N1 virus.


People who received the H1N1 vaccine last year still need to be vaccinated with the seasonal
vaccine this year to have protection against all three flu strains.


The normal health department flu vaccine fee of $15 will apply, but no one will be turned away
due to an inability to pay. Citizens are asked to bring their insurance card. Blue Cross Blue
Shield, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance will be accepted.


Regular daily health department services will not be affected.


The Etowah County Health Department is partnering with the following agencies and
organizations to provide this vital service to the public:


- Alabama Department of Transportation

- City of Gadsden Fire and Police

- Etowah County Red Cross

- Etowah VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)

- Gadsden/Etowah Emergency Management Agency

- Jefferson State Community College

- North Glencoe Baptist Church

- Wallace State Community College


Source:

Alabama Department of Public Health

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