WHACK the Flu!

Drive-thru Clinic on Saturday, September 19

“Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the flu; it’s also a good idea to protect yourself and your loved ones by making sure you WHACK the flu,” said Clermont County Health Commissioner Marty Lambert.  The Clermont General Health District is distributing posters to schools, day care centers, businesses, libraries, and other places where people meet, encouraging them to WHACK the flu:

Wash your hands often.

Home is where to stay when you are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

Keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.

“By taking the above steps you can increase your chances of staying healthy and from spreading the flu if you should become ill,” said Lambert.  “These precautions are quite effective in fighting both seasonal and H1N1 flu.”  This year, most people won’t know which flu strain they have, because confirmatory testing is limited to the severely ill.

Seasonal flu shots are available at many locations in the area.  The Clermont County General Health will offer them at a drive-thru clinic on Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Clermont County Fairgrounds. Vehicles should enter the fairgrounds at 1000 Locust Street in Owensville.  No appointments are needed at this clinic.  The clinic is targeted at adults, since the flu shots will be given while people remain in their vehicles. The shots cost $15; no checks, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will be accepted as payment.  Those on Medicare or Medicaid, and children 17 and under should make an appointment for a vaccine at another time by calling (513) 735-8400.

Information about H1N1 vaccinations should be available in October.  H1N1 vaccinations are not mandatory but are highly recommended for all high risk groups.  Initially the vaccine will be targeted to pregnant women, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, healthcare workers, emergency medical responders, and adults 24 to 64 with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.  Once the demand from these targeted groups has been met the vaccine should be widely available to anyone interested in receiving an H1N1 vaccination.