News Release
For Immediate Release: September 9, 2009
Contact Person: Eric Cvetnick (301) 334-7773
Garrett County Health Department
Seasonal Flu and Pneumonia Clinics Schedule Announced
The Garrett County Health Department will be offering seasonal flu and pneumonia immunizations in September, October and November, 2009. These vaccines will be offered at walk-in clinics at Senior Center sites throughout the county, the Garrett County Health Department at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, MD, and the Grantsville Community Outreach Center at 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, MD.
The Health Department now has a vaccine supply available to immunize individuals for protection against seasonal influenza. Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County Health Officer, encourages individuals to take advantage of the flu clinics scheduled in the community and recommends the vaccination of all individuals, especially those at increased risk for complications related to the virus.
Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza should receive vaccine. Priority groups are children from 6 months to 18 years of age and anyone 50 years of age and older. Those at risk of complications from influenza or likely to need medical care should receive vaccine; anyone with long term health care problems (such as heart or lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, metabolic disorders including diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders, certain neuromuscular disorders that can cause breathing problems, persons with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids or cancer treatment or radiation), and persons who have direct contact with at-risk individuals such as health care providers, nursing home staff, household members of those in the high-risk groups, and women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
In addition to the injectable influenza vaccine, the Garrett County Health Department has a supply of FluMist ® , the live, attenuated (weakened) nasal spray influenza vaccine. It is recommended for healthy persons from age 2 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant. It is approved for most healthcare workers and house-hold contacts of most people at high risk for influenza complications. The cost is $25.00.
The walk-in clinics will be held at the following locations and times:
Grantsville Community Outreach Center, 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, September 18, 2009 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Garrett County Health Department,1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, September 28 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Flowery Vale Fitness Center, October 2, from 10 am to 12 pm; Kitzmiller Senior Center, on October 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, October 8 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Swanton Senior Center on October 12 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.; Bloomington Fire Hall, October 14 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Friendsville Senior Center, October 15 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Grantsville Community Outreach Center, 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, October 16 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. and Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive October 22 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The cost of the influenza vaccination is $25.00. Pneumococcal vaccination will be available for $50.00. If a person has Medicare Part B, the Garrett County Health Department will bill Medicare for the service. Medicare is the only insurance approved as a payor. The Garrett County Health Department will not be responsible for billing private insurance or Medical Assistance and payment will be due at the time of service. Vaccine(s) will be available for free for children and if the children are Vaccines for Children ( VFC ) eligible (age 6 months through 18 years).
Persons who have questions about either vaccine should contact their physician or the local health department at 301- 334-7777 or 301-895-3111. More information about the flu vaccine clinics can be found by visiting www.garretthealth.org/clinicians/influenza.htm or by calling the “flu hotline”at 301-334-7697.