Every Year is an Influenza Pandemic for Children

Can We Stop It?

Let’s Give It Our Best Shot! (PRESS RELEASE FROM HEALTH OFFICER DR. RICK JOHNSON)

The unmistakable signs of autumn remind us that another flu season is almost upon us. Influenza is a serious disease leading to hospitalization and death for thousands of Americans each year. It is not just the elderly that suffer from complications. Very young children are hospitalized from the flu at rates similar to other groups at high risk for influenza-related complications. About half of all hospitalizations from seasonal flu, and about a third of the deaths occur in children with no underlying medical conditions. In addition, children and adults – all of us – can give the flu to those who are at highest risk:

the very young
children with neurologic conditions
those over 65 years of age
adults with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease
pregnant women

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what flu viruses are spreading, whether they match the viruses in the vaccine, and how many people get the vaccine.

The time to get vaccinated is now. Influenza seasons can begin as early as October, peaking in January or February, and lasting into May. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and begin to provide protection against the flu. A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing, and your protection wears off over time. Options include shots and nasal spray, and can be discussed with your provider. There is plenty of vaccine available this year.

The following page lists the community flu clinics being held by the Mono County Health Department throughout Mono County. In addition, most pharmacies and health care providers also have flu vaccine available.

GET VACCINATED! Protect yourself, your family, co-workers, neighbors, and community from one of the two events sure to happen this winter (snow – and the flu). Neither Howard (weatherman) nor I know when, or how much of either will occur!

Community Flu Clinics 2012 – 2013

MONO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Date Location Day/Time

9.18.12 Walker Senior Center Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 PM

9.19.12 Bridgeport Health Department Wednesday 1:00-3:30 PM

9.24.12 June Lake Community Center Monday 5:00 – 6:30 PM

9.26.12 Lee Vining Community Center Wednesday 5:00 – 6:30 PM

10.2.12 Paradise Fire Station Tuesday 4:30-5:45 PM

10.2.12 Swall Meadows Fire Station Tuesday 6:15 – 7:15 PM

10.4.12 Mammoth Lakes Elem. School Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 PM

10.10.12 Chalfant Community Center Wednesday 5:00 – 6:00 PM

10.10.12 Benton Community Center Wednesday 6:30 – 7:30 PM