BERLIN–Atlantic General Hospital/ Health System is providing free flu shot clinics for a second time this flu season. Individuals must be at least 13 years old to receive the vaccine at one of the free clinics.
The clinics will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Wednesday, Jan. 29. The flu shot clinics will be held at Atlantic General Hospital, in the Employee Health Office on the second floor. No appointment necessary.
The vaccine is made from eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, consult with your health care provider. Questions, contact the Employee Health Office at 410-641-9190 or e-mail cmumford@atlanticgeneral.org.
Influenza and complications resulting from the virus kill an estimated 20,000 people each year, according to the CDC. Although rates of influenza vaccinations have increased in recent years, health surveys indicate that less than half of the high-risk population receives a yearly vaccine.
Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious virus spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze. Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache. Those at an increased risk for influenza related complications:
•persons 65 years and older
•nursing home residents and other chronic care facilities
•adults and children with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma
•people with metabolic diseases such as diabetes
•those with blood diseases like sickle cell anemia, or impaired immunity.
•Children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy and anyone working or living with someone in a high-risk category should also get a flu shot every year.
The clinics will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Wednesday, Jan. 29. The flu shot clinics will be held at Atlantic General Hospital, in the Employee Health Office on the second floor. No appointment necessary.
The vaccine is made from eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, consult with your health care provider. Questions, contact the Employee Health Office at 410-641-9190 or e-mail cmumford@atlanticgeneral.org.
Influenza and complications resulting from the virus kill an estimated 20,000 people each year, according to the CDC. Although rates of influenza vaccinations have increased in recent years, health surveys indicate that less than half of the high-risk population receives a yearly vaccine.
Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious virus spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze. Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache. Those at an increased risk for influenza related complications:
•persons 65 years and older
•nursing home residents and other chronic care facilities
•adults and children with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma
•people with metabolic diseases such as diabetes
•those with blood diseases like sickle cell anemia, or impaired immunity.
•Children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy and anyone working or living with someone in a high-risk category should also get a flu shot every year.