It is that time of year again!  Rock Island County Health Department has plenty of influenza vaccine on hand this year.  The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Influenza vaccination is needed each year because the annual vaccine contains three strains of the virus and one or more strains may change from year to year.  Surveillance of influenza has shown that the same strains as last year are still circulating, therefore the same three strains are included in this years’ vaccine.  However, “even if you received a flu shot last year, it is important to be vaccinated every year because the effectiveness of the vaccine declines over the course of a year after vaccination” according to Dr. Damon Arnold, Director of Illinois Department of Public Health.

Children six months through eight years old will need two doses of influenza vaccine for optimal protection if it is the first time they are receiving it.  If they received flu vaccination last year, then they would only need one dose this year.  Babies younger than six months cannot yet get influenza vaccination, so it is especially important that the adults, siblings and others around them be vaccinated.

Rock Island County Health Department also has a high dose vaccine available this year for those 65 years and older.  This vaccine gives a greater amount of vaccine to those citizens who are often more susceptible to the flu and other health complications.

The best way to reduce the spread of the flu (and other diseases) is to remember the 3 C’s:

CLEAN – Thoroughly wash your hands frequently
COVER –Cover coughs and sneezes
CONTAIN—Contain germs by staying home if you are sick
  

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 794-7080.