Free seasonal flu vaccine available this fall

Flu shots and prevention behaviors can keep our community healthy this season. Napa County Public Health will offer free seasonal flu vaccine to anyone over 3 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu vaccine.  Those at higher risk for complications of the flu, including seniors over 65 years, pregnant women, children under 5 years and people with certain chronic medical conditions, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.“The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to avoid getting the flu,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Even if you were vaccinated last year, you should be vaccinated this year and every year for protection from the flu.” In addition to getting vaccinated, everyone can take three simple steps to help stop the spread of the flu:

1)Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.

2)Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

3)Stay home when sick and talk to your health care provider early if you think you have the flu.

It is especially important to teach and model this behavior for children, who not only spread illness but can suffer more severe health consequences because of the flu. Napa County Public Health offers free health education to elementary schools through a program called “WHACK the Flu,” which includes a 10 minute instructional DVD. Visit www.countyofnapa.org/publichealth/whacktheflu to watch the video and learn more about requesting the program for your child’s elementary school.If you would like additional information, including the full schedule of seasonal flu vaccination clinics, please visit the Napa County Public Health website at www.countyofnapa.org/publichealth or call  the 24/7 flu hotline (707) 253-4540.   If you are unable to attend the flu shot clinics or if you have a child younger than 3 years of age, contact the Public Health Immunization Clinic at (707) 253-4270 after Nov. 2, 2011, for a free appointment.