Community Corner
Residents Encouraged to Get Flu Shots
Several flu shot clinics occurring locally in coming weeks.
As flu season approaches, Foster City residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
"It's important for all residents, ages six months and older, to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year," said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. "The flu vaccine is safe, and one shot will protect against three strains of flu, including H1N1. Influenza viruses mutate from year to year, which makes it important to get vaccinated every year."
According to the country health department, this year's flu vaccine priority group has been expanded to include all adults and children older than six months. Because flu season in California typically begins in October and peaks in late December through March, officials are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
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"Flu vaccine not only protects the person getting immunized, but helps protect others by stopping the spread of influenza," said San Mateo County Health System Official Robyn Thaw. "The best way to protect infants who are too young to be immunized, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems is for the people around these individuals to get vaccinated."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, five to twenty percent of the population gets the flu each year, resulting in more than 200,000 hospitalizations.
For the needle shy, a less sharp option is FluMist. Approved for healthy people ages two to 49, FluMist is a nasal spray version of the vaccine that has proven to be as effective as a shot. While it isn't as readily available as the shot, it can be found in some doctor's offices.
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Foster City residents will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to receive a vaccination. For people with busy work schedules, local stores such as CVS and Costco offer the flu vaccine throughout pharmacy hours. Some pharmacies are also selling flu shot "gift cards" that cover the cost of the vaccine, an ideal gift for children away at college.
The Peninsula Jewish Community Center is hosting to a low-cost flu shot clinic tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The clinic is open to the public, and vaccines are being provided by Sutter Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. Proceeds from the clinic will benefit Sutter's mission to provide home health care and hospice services to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
"We've done clinics over the past few years and felt it was really important to do one this year after the H1N1 virus last year, " said PJCC Member Service Representative Laurie Reinelt.
The PJCC clinic will offer both the basic flu shot and a preservative free shot for pregnant women, in addition to pneumonia vaccines.
"This particular flu vaccine will contain the H1N1 strain," Reinelt said.
For people who do not have a healthcare provider, the San Mateo County Health System and partner organizations will hold vaccine clinics throughout the county beginning in October. No appointment is necessary for these clinics, and no I.D. will be required. Some clinics may request a small donation.
The County Health System will hold a flu shot clinic in Foster City on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Foster City Recreation Center.
"It's still early before the germs starts circulating and before we get into the serious part of cold and flu system," Reinelt said. "Get the vaccine early, and get your immunity built up."
For more information about the flu and upcoming clinics, visit www.smhealth.org/flu/vaccines or call (650) 573-3927.
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