2014-2015 Seasonal Influenza Prevention

Grinnell Regional Public Health will again offer public vaccination clinics at locations throughout the county for the seasonal influenza vaccine.

The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.

“Though it is not possible to predict how and when the influenza season will unfold, you can protect yourself by having a vaccination and following good healthy habits to stop the spread of germs,” says Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. “So far this year, we have adequate supply ordered for the vaccine and no shortages have been reported by manufacturers.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, preferably by the end of October.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Schedule of Public Health Influenza Vaccination Sites

Monday, Sept. 22, GARC 1500 Penrose, 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25, Mayflower Home –Carman Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13, Grinnell High School, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, Seeland Park – Hawn Center, 10 to 11 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16, Brookside South, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Oct.  20, BGM Schools- Cafeteria,  3:30 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 23, Montezuma–Elementary School Library, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 27, Grinnell Middle School, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top four flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

Children aged 6 months through 8 years who need two doses of vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose before the start of flu season. The two doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart.

In addition to receiving a vaccination, you can take everyday preventive steps.

1.      Clean your hands with soap and water and alcohol-based cleaner if water is not available.

2.      Avoid close contact. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.

3.      Stay home when you are sick

4.      Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

5.      Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

6.      Practice other good health habits like clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.  

For more information, talk to your primary care provider or call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2585.