The Wayne County Department of Public Health will hold walk-in flu shot clinics at two locations from Dec. 8-12, as part of its National Influenza Vaccination Week observance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza. It established National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005 to raise awareness of continuing flu vaccination throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.
“Every year, the best way to prevent the flu and flu-related complications is by getting a flu shot,” said Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive, who received his annual flu vaccine earlier this fall at a Wayne County employee clinic in October.
“We continue to urge and remind Wayne County residents to protect their families against influenza by making plans now to get their flu shots before the number of cases increase.”
U.S. flu activity typically peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May.
The flu is a mild to serious contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to serious complications in infants and seniors and those with chronic diseases, and even result in death.
Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Health Officer/Chief of Health Operations, Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services, stressed that it’s not too late to get vaccinated in time for the holidays and winter months when flu viruses generally circulate the most.
“Getting the flu vaccine during late fall into winter provides ample time for vaccine protection before the flu season peaks,” he said. “However, by not getting vaccinated, you put yourself, your family and those around you at risk. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, absences from school and work and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.”
The Wayne County Department of Public Health is administering the quadrivalent vaccine during the 2014-15 season, which provides 4-in-1 protection against four commonly-circulating flu strains worldwide.
The 4-in-1 vaccine is affordably priced at only $20. Medicaid, Medicare Part B and the Vaccines for Children program for eligible youngsters are also accepted to cover the cost.
Wayne County Public Health is one of a limited number of area health providers offering the quadrivalent vaccine. Dr. Hammami stated that the vaccine is highly recommended for both its convenience and effectiveness.
“Even unvaccinated individuals who have already gotten sick with one type of flu virus may still benefit from vaccination since the quad vaccine provides broad flu protection against four different international flu viruses in circulation this influenza season,” he said. Other flu shots are also limited in the number of flu strains they protect against which is why the 4-in-1 vaccine offers greater and superior flu coverage for persons of all ages.”
Wayne County flu clinic locations and special walk-in immunization hours during National Influenza Vaccination Week are as follows:
- Wayne County Department of Public Health Clinic,
33030 Van Born, Wayne, MI 48184
Monday, Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 8, 9 and 12:
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10:
1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
(NOTE: Walk-in hours not available at Wayne location on Thursday, Dec. 11.)
- Wayne County “Health on Wheels” Health Fair
St. Clare of Montefalco Church, 1401 Whittier Road, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Thursday, Dec. 11
Noon – 4 p.m.
Flu vaccines are also available by appointment at the Wayne County Public Health clinic for the remainder of the 2014-15 flu season while supplies last.
For more information, or to make a flu vaccine appointment, call 734-727-7101, or visit www.waynecounty.com, click on Featured event.
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