The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department begin providing flu vaccinations at its public health clinics on Wednesday. Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others.
No shortage of vaccine is expected this year.
Influenza, known as “the flu” can cause mild to severe illness. Even mild cases can cause you to miss days from work or school. Each year 5 to 20-percent of the U.S. population gets the flu.
The flu vaccine can help prevent the flu and its sometimes serious complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The vaccine is especially recommended for the following persons who are at increased risk for severe complications associated with the flu:
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions, including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health care workers; household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated.)
The flu vaccine is not recommended for some groups of people, including:
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
The vaccine is free for those covered by Medicare or TennCare and $30 for all others. No appointment is necessary.
Clinics:
• Immunization Clinic, 814 Jefferson Ave, 38105; Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday; Phone: (901) 544-7711
• Collierville Clinic, 167 Washington St., 38017; Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays and; Thursdays only; Phone: (901) 854-6775
• Galloway Clinic, 477 N. Manassas, 38105; Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday; Phone: (901) 522-8268
• Hickory Hill Clinic, 6590 Kirby Center Cove, 38115; Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday; Saturday hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon; Phone: (901) 365-1045
• Millington Clinic, 8225 Highway 51 N, 38053; Hours: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; Phone: (901) 873-4433
• Raleigh Clinic, 3040 Covington Pike, 38128; Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday; Saturday hours: 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon; Phone: (901) 386-2060
• Shelby Crossing Clinic, 6170 Macon Road, 38134; Hours: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m,. Monday – Friday; Phone: (901) 372-7581
• Southland Mall Clinic, 1278 Southland Mall, Shelby Dr/Hwy 51, 38116; Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday; Saturday hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon; Phone: (901) 346-0081
Good hygiene can help keep you and your friends and family well throughout the cold and flu season. Always:
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Cover your mouth when you cough and dispose of tissues when you sneeze or blow your nose
• Stay home from work or school when you are sick
For more information about flu shots, contact the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department’s Immunization Program at (901) 544-7708 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
