Mobile County Health Department staff "rolling up their sleeves" for the flu vaccine in October

Mobile County Health Department nurse Becky Dixon gives a shot to a staff

member of the Vector Control Department on Oct. 3, 2014. MCHD encourages

everyone who can to get the flu shot early in the season. 

MOBILE, Ala. -- We're rolling up our sleeves to beat the flu here at the Mobile County Health Department. Staff members are giving and receiving flu shots. It's another way the staff is working to prevent, protect and promote the health of everyone in Mobile County.


The Mobile County Health Department is now offering the 2014-2015 seasonal flu vaccine to those age 6 months and older without an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic, 251 N. Bayou St.

The shots also are available by appointment at MCHD’s outlying Family Health centers. Appointments can be made by calling 251-690-8889. The shots are $15 each, payable in the exact amount by cash or credit card, or by using Medicaid or Medicare Part B, or private insurance that covers the cost.

The 2014-2015 flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that contains killed viruses and is given with a needle. It contains three seasonal influenza viruses that are grown in eggs. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza and their close contacts, health care personnel and close contacts of children younger than 6 months and people age 65. Pregnant women also should get vaccinated for the flu, health officials said. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following people should not be
vaccinated without consulting a physician:
                    
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever.
Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for Mobile County, advises people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu this season:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. No tissue? Cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.