Richland County Health Department (RCHD) will hold a mass flu shot clinic at the Community Services Building on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Medicaid, Medicare & CHIPS can be billed for those who bring their cards.
Everyone is encouraged to reduce their risk by getting a yearly flu vaccination which is the best way to prevent influenza and its severe complications. The Richland County Health Department will have plenty of vaccine available for ages six months old through adult (99+years) at the mass clinic. No appointment is needed during the clinic.
Influenza vaccinations will be available throughout the fall and winter months since influenza activity can circulate anytime from November through April. RCHD would like to encourage all employers to send their employees to be vaccinated. Having illness from the flu can lead to lost work time for businesses. Groups may be billed—make arrangements ahead of time by calling the health department.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses; the flu is a contagious respiratory illness with sudden onset of cough, chest discomfort, fever, chills and body aches; - not the “stomach flu”, which is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Influenza can lead to pneumonia and other complications depending on your current health and medical status. Along with getting a flu vaccination, please practice good hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home when feeling ill.
Flu vaccination shot will not give you the flu, because the vaccine does not contain live virus; it is “inactivated”, containing only killed virus. It may cause soreness at the site of the shot area or a slight fever but these symptoms will not last long. Before anyone receives a flu shot, they will be screened about their health status to determine whether there is any medical reason that would make vaccination not recommended. The forms can be found on the Richland County web site (richland.org/health) and may be filled out in advance for the clinic.
RCHD is planning to move patrons through quickly and efficiently. Last year they vaccinated almost 800, with a time from entrance to shot average of 12 minutes per person. This year’s clinic will be staffed again by many volunteers and staff. Believe it or not the best time to come is over your lunch time! There will be plenty of parking available. Get your flu shot!
For further information call the Richland County Public Health Department at 433-2207 or go to the website richland.org/health.
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