The Texas County Health Department announced it will be hosting flu clinics at its remaining two senior centers in the county the next two weeks.
Shots will be available from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Licking Senior Center and 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Summersville Senior Center. Flu shots are also available at the health department.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises vaccination remains the single most effective preventive measure available against influenza, and can prevent many illnesses and deaths. Yet each year, millions of Americans choose to take a chance and forgo influenza vaccination. The flu virus changes annually, so it is important to get a flu shot every year before or during the flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends flu vaccination begin in October or later. Vaccine immunity wanes at the end of the season making it unadvisable for most people to get vaccinated earlier. While October and November are recommended months for vaccination, it is still beneficial to vaccinate up through January as some influenza activity can occur through February or beyond.
For more information on flu vaccination clinics, contact Carolyn Bell, R.N., Texas County Health Department at 417-967-4131.