Fill-in-Blank News Release for County Health Departments

For Release: _____, 2005
Contact: __________
_____ County Health Department
(Phone)

_____ County Health Department Schedules Flu Shot Clinics

The _____ County Health Department announced today its influenza vaccination clinic schedule for the upcoming flu season. October is typically the launch month for influenza vaccinations in Oklahoma.

For the week beginning Monday, Oct. 17, the _____ County Health Department will schedule clinics for those at highest risk of complications from influenza. Clinic days and times are as follows: (fill in days and times of flu clinics for the week of Oct. 17.)

Persons at high risk of complications from influenza who should receive their flu shot during the week of Oct. 17 include the following:

• Persons aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions.
• Residents of long-term care facilities.
• Persons aged 2 to 64 years of age with chronic health conditions.
• Children aged 6 months to 23 months.
• Pregnant women.
• Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care.
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 6 months or younger.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 24, the _____ County Health Department will
offer flu shots for all other persons not considered high risk but who wish to reduce their chances of getting influenza. Clinic days and times are as follows: (fill in days and times of flu clinics for week of Oct. 24.)

“Oklahoma’s first laboratory confirmed case of influenza usually does not occur until late November, so following this schedule should assure _____ County residents that they will be protected from influenza this year,” said _____, administrative director for the _____ County Health Department.

“At the current time, we anticipate having enough flu vaccine this year,” _____ said. Vaccine is also available through private health care providers.

_____ noted that FluMist, a nasal-spray flu vaccine, is always an option for healthy persons aged 5 to 49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine will also be available at the _____ County Health Department (fill in availability for administering FluMist).

In addition, _____ said persons 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions should ask their doctor if they should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia, which is a common and potentially serious complication of the flu. Unlike the influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine does not need to be given every year. This vaccine is available at physicians’ offices and the _____ County Health Department.

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