• By Quintana Stewart
• Posted Friday, November 30, 2012

Fight the Flu! Get Vaccinated!

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health will give FREE flu vaccinations in Clinic 3 at 799 N. Highland Avenue. The vaccine will be provided to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis while supplies last. Anyone who wishes to receive the flu shot should visit the Immunization Clinic during the clinic hours below:

• Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday – 8:30am – 3:45pm
• Thursday – 9:30am – 6:45pm
• Friday – 8:30am – 11:45am

In addition to the standard injectable flu vaccine, the department has a limited amount of High Dose flu vaccine designed for those 65 years of age and older. The new Intradermal flu shot, a shot injected in the skin instead of the muscle using a smaller needle, will also be available for persons 18 through 64 years of age while supplies last.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Anyone can get the flu, and vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends.

Who should get a flu shot?

All people 6 months of age and older should get flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza and their close contacts, including pregnant women, healthcare personnel, close contacts of children younger than 6 months of age, and anyone with certain health conditions – such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. By getting flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading influenza to others.

When to Get Vaccinated

Now is a great time, although vaccination through February can still be beneficial since flu season can last as late as May. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May. Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including pneumococcal vaccine.

For more information about influenza visit:

CDC Says "Take 3" Actions to Fight the Flu

Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) and Flu Vaccine

Seasonal Influenza Questions and Answers"

How Flu Spreads