Being vaccinated against influenza ("the flu") is an easy step toward staying well this winter.

The DeKalb County Board of Health begins flu vaccination on Monday, October 7. The agency encourages those who are at high risk for flu and their caretakers and household members to be immunized during October.

This includes:
• persons age 65 years and older
• residents and staff of assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other residential care settings
• adults and children who require regular medical follow up for chronic conditions (such as those of the heart and lungs) or who have reduced immunity or HIV infection
• children from age six months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy
• women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy between November and April
• health care workers in both hospital and outpatient settings, and
• persons who live with or provide home care to those in the high- risk groups.

October immunization is also recommended for persons age 50 through 64 years, children age six to 24 months, and the household members of and people who care for children under age 24 months. It is especially important that the household members and caregivers of children under six months are immunized because these very young infants cannot get a flu shot. The new recommendations to protect children should reduce the number of youngsters who are hospitalized for the flu each year.

The general public is welcome to receive flu vaccine beginning in November.

In addition to being vaccinated, there are other steps that will reduce one's chances of getting the flu. Regular hand washing, keeping household surfaces clean, and not sharing glasses and eating utensils are simple ways to lower one's risk.

The DeKalb County Board of Health's fee for the flu vaccine is $16. Medicare (Part B) and Medicaid cover the immunization.

For more information about the DeKalb County Board of Health's flu vaccination program and health center locations, call (404) 508-7880.

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