Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways.
Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length
of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are
spreading, whether they match the viruses in the vaccine, and how many people
get the vaccine.
Area residents can protect themselves from the negative
effects of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommend several precautionary steps.
• Take time to receive the flu vaccination. It helps
protect you and those who cannot have the vaccination.
• Take everyday prevention steps to avoid exposure to
the virus. These include wash
your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close
contact with sick people.
• If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your
illness. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Antiviral drugs can
make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They require a
prescription from your healthcare provider. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay
home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Grinnell Regional Public Health will provide
vaccination clinics throughout the county during October and November. These
are open to the public. See the complete list of locations below.
New this year, a high dose vaccine will be available
to individuals over 65. The CDC reports multiple studies conducted have shown
that the body’s ability to build an antibody response to a vaccine declines
with age. Therefore, the high dose is recommended and will be available
to all individuals 65 and older.
The vaccination is a covered benefit of Medicare and
many insurance carriers. Please bring your insurance card at the time of the
clinic.
As for predictions on the 2012-2013 season,
manufacturers have projected that they will produce between 146 million and 149
million doses of flu vaccine. This should cover needs, based on normal demand. No
shortages have been reported. The Flu Vaccine will contain the H1N1 virus which
is the same as the 2011-2012. New coverage in the influenza vaccine in 2012/13
includes H3N2 and B viruses.
The CDC recommends that influenza vaccination begin as
soon as vaccine becomes available in the community and continue throughout the
flu season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to
develop in the body and provide protection against influenza, and influenza
seasons can begin as early as October.
For more information contact Grinnell Regional Public
Health at 641-236-2385 or check the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
2012
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Clinics
Date Time Location
Oct. 1 2
to 6 p.m. Grinnell Athletic and
Recreation Center, 1500 Penrose St, Grinnell
Oct. 11 10:30
to 11:30 a.m. Brookside South, Grinnell
Oct. 15 3
to 6 p.m. BGM School, Brooklyn
Oct. 22 3:45
to 6 p.m. Grinnell High School, media
center
Oct. 25 10
to 11:30 a.m. Mayflower Community,
Carmen Center
Oct. 29 3
to 6 p.m. Montezuma School,
elementary library
Nov. 1 10
to 11 a.m. Seeland Park, Tenplex
lobby, Grinnell
Nov. 8 11
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Grinnell United
Methodist Church
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