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11/24/2010: "Flu Shot Time"

It takes up to two weeks for a flu vaccine to become effective, so now would be a good time to get your shot. SJC Health Department is urging all residents to take advantage of National Influenza Immunization Week, Dec 5th to 12th
Where to Get Your Flu Shots

* San Juan Health Care: Tuesday & Wednesday 1:30 â€" 4:30pm Walk-ins welcome
* SJI InterIsland Medical Center: Walk-ins welcome anytime
* Orcas Medical Center: Appointments available Monday â€" Friday
* Orcas Family Health Center: Walk-ins welcome anytime Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm
* Orcas Island Family Medicine: Appointments available Monday â€" Friday
* Lopez Island Medical Center: Appointments available for Dec. 2nd Flu Clinic
* SJC Health Department FH: Walk-in on Thursday afternoons
* SJ County Health Department Orcas &Lopez: By appointment

For more information or to schedule a flu shot, call your health care provider or San Juan County Health and Community Services at 378-4474

“Flu is a serious disease that causes thousands of deaths and hundred of thousands of hospitalizations each year in our county�, said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “This year’s vaccine is a good match with the strains that are circulating. Influenza vaccine not only reduces you risk of illness; it prevents you from spreading the virus to others.

Everyone over 6 months old is recommended to get a flu vaccine every year. Vaccine is especially important for babies, young kids (particularly those under 5 years), pregnant women, people over 50, and those with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Young children, whose immune systems are still developing, are also at-risk for flu-related complications. Each year about 100 flu-related deaths in children are thought to occur in the U.S. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, more than 300 deaths in children were reported to CDC.

The state purchases flu vaccine for all kids aged 6 mos through 18 years and distributes it at no cost for health care providers. Providers may charge a small administration or office visit fee.

“Getting a flu vaccine during pregnancy can reduce the risk of getting the flu while pregnant and after,� says San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James. “And babies younger than six months can get very sick from flu, but are too young to get vaccinated. The best way to protect them is to have their caregivers and close contacts vaccinated.�

Seasonal flu shots have been given safely to millions of children and adults. Preservative-free flu vaccine is available for pregnant women and small children. An alternative formulation is the nasal spray, Flu Mist, for healthy kids 2 through 18 years. Both types of influenza vaccine are safe and effective.