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County Begins Offering Flu, Pneumonia Shots On Monday

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The Suncoast News

Published: October 10, 2007

The Pasco County Health Department wants to help residents avoid the aches, blahs and fever from a highly infectious illness: the flu.

Vaccinations will be offered starting Monday.

'Flu vaccines decrease the chance of getting seasonal influenza, thereby protecting ourselves and others,' agency Director David Johnson said in a news release.
Flu season can continue through February or later, and for some people can lead to hospitalization and death.

Health officials recommend flu shots for everyone, but especially for:

•People 50 and older

•Residents and staff of long-term care facilities

•People with chronic medical conditions and their household contacts

•Children up to age 5, anyone living with them and any out-of-home caregivers

•Women who are pregnant or will be during flu season
•Health care personnel.

Pasco residents can get flu shots at their doctors' offices, area walk-in clinics, vaccination events hosted by supermarkets and other places.

The health department also will offer them starting next week at the agency's west Pasco locations:

•10841 Little Road, New Port Richey; (727) 861-5260

•11511 Denton Ave., Hudson; (727) 863-2444.
Flu shots cost $25 at the health department. Pneumonia vaccinations also will be available.

People paying with checks should bring their Medicare cards, health insurance cards and photo identification.

People can reduce flu risk by:

•Washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

•Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

•Staying home when you are sick, and keeping sick children home.

•Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Go to www.doh.state.fl.us /chdpasco/pasco.html for information.

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