• By Carol Watson
• Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Flu Clinic TODAY!

The Forsyth County Public Health Department is holding a Free Seasonal Flu clinic today! This is the first of several clinics that will be held this fall.

Flu Clinic Dates: Tuesdays, September 22 and 29, and October 6 and 13.

Location:
Forsyth County Department of Public Health
799 Highland Avenue, Winston Salem, NC 27101

Cost: Free to the public

Appointments: The flu clinic is a walk-in clinic (first come, first serve). Accommodations will be made on-site for those with special needs.

Flu Clinic Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Types of Vaccine Available: Injections (shots) only. Nasal-spray flu vaccine will not be available at the Health Dept.

When to Get Vaccinated
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1 (swine) flu. Therefore, all people are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot as early as it is available because the vaccine for H1N1 will not be available until later in the fall.

Who should get a flu shot?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

People who should get vaccinated this year are:

1. Children and adults at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
   • All children age 6 months through 18 years
   • Adults 50 years of age and older
   • Pregnant women
   • Anyone with long-term health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, muscle or nerve disorders, weakened immune system, anemia and other blood disorders
   • Residents of nursing homes and other long term care facilities
   • Children 6 months though 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment
2. Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for flu-related complications:
   • Healthcare workers
   • Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age
   • Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years of age or older or anyone with medical conditions that puts them at high risk from severe complications from the flu

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