San Mateo County Health Services Reports:
This Year’s Flu Vaccine Should be a Better Match, Says CDC County health officials encourage public to get vaccinated early in the season SAN MATEO, Calif. – The 2015 flu vaccine will be more effective against this year’s strains of flu than last year’s vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Because the flu is unpredictable and the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective, San Mateo County health officials urge everyone six months and older to get vaccinated early in the year. It’s never too early to get a flu shot, which can prevent a disease that hospitalizes 200,000 Americans every year.
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“A flu shot early in the season increases your chances of staying healthy,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. “The flu vaccine is safe and can prevent flu-related illness, hospitalization and even death. It’s the best defense against the flu.” The vaccine keeps you fully protected for about a year, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year.
While everyone six months and older should get vaccinated, it is especially important that pregnant women, children younger than five, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, get vaccinated. Residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider to get their flu shot.
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The vaccine is also available at pharmacies, retail stores, and is offered by some employers. For people who do not have a health care provider or insurance, the Health System and community organizations offer free flu vaccine at clinics throughout the county—no appointment, insurance or ID is required.
Last year, the County and community partners distributed 7,912 doses of the flu vaccine at 46 clinics.
For more information about the flu and where to get your flu shot, visit www.smchealth.org/flu or call (650) 573-3927. #
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Robert Riechel
For San Bruno CA Patch
Photo Credit: San Bruno CA Patch Archives
Source Credit: County of San Mateo CA
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