Another Gift of Health for the Holidays: Flu Shots

It's Hump Day, so here we are halfway through National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 4-10.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert want you to take time while you are busy preparing for the holidays to get yourself and your family an important gift of health: the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine offers protection for you through the holidays, and for the rest of the flu season. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, though activity can last as late as May.

"Anyone who hasn't gotten a flu vaccine yet should do so now," said Dr. Ruppert. "It takes about two weeks after getting the flu vaccine for your body to build the antibodies (infection fighting cells) it needs to protect from the flu, just in time for your holiday get-togethers with family and friends. Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu."

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You can call the Health Department at (845) 364-2520 to make an appointment to get the vaccine. The Health Department offers it to residents 9 years and older. The vaccine is free of charge to adults 65 years and older (please bring identification with proof of age). There is a $30 fee for those 9 through 64 years old. Each patient must bring proof of Rockland County residency such as a driver's license or utility bill. Patients with Medicare and Medicaid must bring their cards.

The Health Department is giving the quadrivalent flu vaccine which does not contain the preservative thimerosal. The vaccine is called quadrivalent because it offers protection against four different flu viruses that research shows will be most common during this flu season: two influenza (flu) A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

The flu is not just a bad cold!

It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, health department officials point out. Anyone can get sick from the flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Everyone six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine each year.

Talk to your doctor before getting the flu shot if you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine (talk to your doctor about your allergy); and if you are not feeling well (talk to your doctor about your symptoms). It is recommended that you wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated so you can be observed for any reactions.

Besides getting your flu vaccine, here are tips for keeping healthy from the Health Department:

• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
• wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• stay home when you are sick;
• practice other good health habits, such as get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information call the Health Department at (845) 364 – 2520 or visit the website.