November 20, 2007

CDHD Supports National Influenza Vaccination Week

The Central District Health Department (CDHD) is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing the week after Thanksgiving, November 27 to December 2, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December and beyond.

“As you get caught up in the holidays, the one thing you don't want to catch is the flu,” CDHD Immunizations Program Manager Teresa Phillips says. “Influenza can keep you from enjoying this special time of year and a flu shot is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza.”

This year, Tuesday November 27, 2007, is set aside as Children's Flu Vaccination Day, with a focus on vaccinating high-risk children. Each year, over 20,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized as a result of influenza. This day will help raise awareness about the value of vaccinating children-especially high-risk children-and their close contacts.

Influenza can be a serious disease, and for some, it's deadly. So it's especially important for young children, for people who are fifty or older, for pregnant women, and for anyone with a chronic health condition like asthma or heart disease or diabetes or AIDS to be vaccinated. If you live with or provide health care to someone at high risk, you should also be vaccinated.

In Boise CDHD is offering walk-in flu clinics until the supply of vaccine is gone. Those seeking a flu shot can come in Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. On Tuesday November 27th there will be an additional nurse on duty to handle the extra number of children expected for Children's Flu Vaccination Day. For more information on Immunizations at the Boise office call 327-7450.

In Mountain Home CDHD is offering walk-in flu clinics every Thursday until the supply of vaccine is gone. CDHD will also welcome children on Thursday November 29th for Children's Flu Vaccination Day. For more information on Immunizations at the Mountain Home office call 587-4407.

In Valley County CDHD is offering walk-in flu clinics at the McCall office until the supply of vaccine is gone. Those seeking a flu shot can walk in Mondays - Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There will be special accommodations for children on Tuesday November 27th for Children's Flu Vaccination Day. For more information call the Immunizations at the McCall office call 630-8002.

A complete list of flu clinics and other information is available at the CDHD websitehttp://cdhd.idaho.gov.