Manassas Health Clinic Still Offering Free Flu Shots

The Prince William County Health Department is urging people who have not received influenza vaccinations this season to do so as soon as possible. Why? Health officials pointed to a rise in flu cases in recent weeks.

“Since mid-January there has been a notable increase in the number of people visiting a doctor with influenza-like illness and in the number of specimens testing positive for influenza. A similar pattern is being seen across the Southeastern U.S.,” State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said in a press release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Surveillance reported 19 flu-related deaths in the United States as of Jan. 29.

Carole Dunithan, Administrative Assistant for Prince William County's Manassas  Clinic, said Virginia has seen two flu-related pediatric deaths and there is usually a peek in influenza cases in the month of February and into March, when the flu season officially ends.

As a result, local health officials are urging the elderly and those with underlying medical problems and young children to contact their physicians or local health departments for flu-related treatment and preventative care.

In Manassas and Woodbridge, nearly everyone qualifies for free vaccines, and Dunithan said there is plenty of the vaccine still available.

The only group that may not be eligible for the free shot is children under the age of three years old who are privately insured, said Prince William County Public Health Nurse Andrea Young.  For more information on whether or not your child is eligible for the free vaccination contact your local health department.

 Young said the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)  provided funding that made the free vaccine available for adults for this year.  Young said there are no guarantees if free flu shots will be available for adults years to come under ARRA.

Under-insured or non-insured Children are eligible to receive free flu shots every year under the Vaccine for Children Program.

The Greater Prince William Community Health Center's Manassas location  is offering the vaccine Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis. Clinic staff said it is best to come in early before the traffic starts to increase. Both the Flu Mist and shot form of the vaccination are available.