Weekly Flu Bulletin
September 10, 2009
Now is the time to get your seasonal flu shot.
Even though the familiar seasonal flu is likely months away, it is not too early to get your annual seasonal flu shot.
Seasonal flu shots are being offered now in Nashville at doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, groceries, among other locations. There is no shortage or delay in receiving this year’s seasonal flu vaccine.
The Metro Public Health Department will offer seasonal flu shots at our Fast Track clinic September 21 thru 25 at the Lentz Public Health Center. Seasonal flu shots will be $20. We will accept Medicare Part B and TennCare.
Seasonal flu shots will not protect against the new strain of H1N1 influenza, sometimes called “swine flu” that is now circulating in Nashville. However, it is the best protection against seasonal flu, which usually circulates during winter months.
We are expecting shipment of the H1N1 vaccine by mid-October. Many medical providers, pharmacies, and groceries are expected to provide this vaccine as well. We will provide more information about the H1N1 flu vaccine as it becomes available.
This means that many people will need one seasonal flu shot (now) and a two-shot series with H1N1 vaccine (October and November) for optimal protection.
Who should get a seasonal flu shot?
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for anyone who wants the best protection against seasonal influenza. Influenza vaccination is generally recommended for all children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday. There are people who should get a flu shot every year because they are at greater risk of potentially serious complications, or they are in close contact with someone at higher risk of complications. These individuals include:
- Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older,
- People of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease),
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
- Household contacts of person at high risk for complications from influenza,
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, and
- Health care workers.
Continued vigilance on common-sense precautions is crucial.
As always, please remember to take the following steps to protect yourself from flu and other illnesses.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your shirt sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick.
I invite you to visit the Health Department's website (health.nashville.gov) for information and the latest guidance for the community, including schools, employers, and faith based organizations. The Health Department also has a recorded community information telephone line (615-340-7775) with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Thank you for your commitment to a Healthy Nashville!
Bill Paul, M.D., M.P.H.
Director
Metro Public Health Department
Nashville/Davidson County