Free Flu Shots Offered In Cedar Park, Round Rock As Part Of Influenza Awareness Week

ROUND ROCK, TX — In keeping with the upcoming National Influenza Vaccination Week, free flu shots clinics are planned for Round Rock and the surrounding areas.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is scheduled from Dec. 4-10, providing an opportunity for shots for young and old to prevent the flu. The illness poses particular risk among older people, young children, pregnant women and those with ongoing illnesses such as diabetes, kidney, heart or lung disease, officials said.

While the majority of people are able to recover from the flu, it can be passed to others who might not be as fortunate, officials said. The statistics are grim: Every year, influenza sickens hundreds of thousands of people requiring hospitalization, and, on average, the flu kills some 24,000 people in the U.S. every year — including about 100 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While thorough hand washing and avoiding afflicted people are effective preventive measures, health officials say such steps might not be enough. Flu germs are airborne and flu can spread through sneezing, coughing or even talking. A person with the flu can infect others before starting to even feel symptoms personally.

This is why vaccination continues to be the best tool to prevent getting sick.

“Every person who protects themselves from getting the flu is also protecting those around them that cannot get the vaccine,” Dr. Lisa Cornelius, Medical Director and Health Authority for the Williamson County and Cities Health District, said.

Several types of flu vaccine now are available at all Williamson County and Cities Health District public health centers, at Community Flu Shot Clinics listed below, and other locations. Among the available vaccinations are the regular flu shot, high-dose flu shot for adults over 65, and egg-free shot.

Williamson County health officials noted the nasal spray vaccine, which many parents prefer for their children, is not being recommended this year given recent research questioning its effectiveness.

Free Community Flu Shot Clinics are open to the public for anyone three years and older. Flu shots are sponsored by WCCHD and the City of Hutto, City of Round Rock and City of Cedar Park. What follows are the dates and locations where people can get their flu shots, starting on Wednesday in Hutto through Dec. 10 in Cedar Park:

• Wed. Nov. 30, 2016 1 – 4 p.m.

East Williamson County Higher Education Center 1600 Innovation Blvd., Hutto, TX

• Sat. Dec. 3, 2016 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Round Rock Market Days Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock, TX

• Sat. Dec. 10 & 17, 2016

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Farmer’s Market at Lakeline 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, TX

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