Will County Flu Clinic

For nearly four decades, the Will County Health Department has partnered with the Senior Services Center of Will County to provide an annual series of walk-in community flu shot clinics designed specifically for persons 18 years and older.

The 2011 clinic series will include seven community sites and immunize area residents against three influenza strains projected to circulate throughout the U.S. during the next several months. The clinics will run from September 13 through October 12.

Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, those affected by Guillain-Barrè Syndrome and persons allergic to any component of the flu vaccine should consult a physician regarding the advisability of a flu shot.

However, the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 85 percent of all Americans would derive significant benefit from an annual dose of seasonal flu vaccine.

The 2011 Will County clinic series features two walk-in sites in Joliet. Clinics are also scheduled for Lockport, New Lenox, Romeoville, Wilmington, and Monee. You must be a Will County resident to attend one of the community clinics.

For a prerecorded list of 2011 seasonal flu shot clinics, telephone 815-740-7632. Clinic locations and times will also be available at www.willcountyhealth.org. You may also telephone specific questions to 815-740-8143 during regular weekly business hours, or email inquiries to info@willcountyhealth.org.

Seasonal influenza is estimated to impact approximately a quarter of the U.S. population annually. Complications resulting from seasonal influenza produce approximately 250,000 U.S. hospitalizations and up to 36,000 fatalities every year. Unlike the novel H₁N₁ Swine Flu, complications to seasonal influenza most often impact persons 65 years and older.

Other population groups also face an increased risk from seasonal influenza complications, including pregnant women and persons with underlying chronic medical conditions. Persons with suppressed immunity and residents of long-term care facilities may also face special seasonal flu risks.

The annual supply of influenza vaccine and the timing of its distribution cannot be guaranteed in any year. During the 2010-2011 influenza season, nearly 160 million doses of influenza vaccine were distributed in the U.S. At least 165 million vaccine doses are expected to be available for 2011-2012.

While a flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself against seasonal influenza, frequent hand washing with soap and warm water can also help to prevent disease transmission. Persons are also urged to cover their coughs with a tissue (not their bare hands), and to stay at home when not feeling well.

For more information about influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.