Flu vaccine clinics slated

The Northeast Texas Public Health District will be conducting flu vaccination clinics 8:30- 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday at 815 N. Broadway, Tyler. Cost is $15. Medicare and Medicaid patients will be billed to their insurance (please bring card).

The clinics will continue until the vaccine supply is depleted. Currently, about 1,100 doses are available.

For further information, contact Brenda Elrod, 903-535- 0037; fax 903-535-0052; or email bjelrod@netphd.org.

Each year in the United States, between 5 and 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza, about 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of influenza complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

For the last 30 years flu activity has peaked in this region in mid-February, according to the CDC. It is important for individuals to receive their flu vaccination as soon as possible to help protect them from this illness. The flu vaccination helps boost the immune system to lower chances of getting the flu.

Anyone can get influenza and the infection can be severe. CDC advises people in high risk populations to receive the influenza vaccination.

High risk is defined as age 65 or older, someone that has a chronic disease condition, or someone who provides health care for a child or an adult 65 years of age or older.

Vaccine is also available for anyone wanting to decrease the risk of getting influenza. People with chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes) and pregnant women are at highest risk for complications.

For the first time the CDC is also recommending children aged 24 months to 59 months be vaccinated since they are also considered at risk for complications of flu.