The Texas County Health Department has administered about 1,500 flu shots and still has vaccine available, an official said Friday.
The agency has given the shots at its main office in Houston, as well as Licking, Roby, Success, Plato and Raymondville and its satellite offices at Cabool and Summerville.
Carolyn Bell, nurse supervisor, said the department will continue to give shots through November.
There is no shortage of flu vaccine, and the health department is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to reduce the number of cases in the county. Valerie Reese, epidemiology specialist with the Texas County Health Department, said the last severe flu season was in 2003.
“At this time it is unknown if we will have a mild or severe flu season, but if Australia’s flu season is any indication of the type of flu season we will have here, it will most likely be a more severe season than in the past couple of years,” she said.
Texas County residents can also take several proactive measures to reduce the spread of flu: Get vaccinated, wash hands, cover a cough, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, rest and eat healthy and stay at home if ill.
Flu shots are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday at the department’s office on North U.S. 63. The hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30. Friday’s schedule is 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Shots also are available at Cabool on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and at Summersville on the second Friday of each month from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For more information, call 417-967-4131.