Contact: Lane County Public Health, 682-4041

Lane County Public Health is kicking of their seasonal flu clinics on Monday, Oct. 5. Community members are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine. LCPH clinics that are provided off site from the central public health office are primarily for adults.

Seasonal flu shots for adults and children will be available at the Wednesday afternoon clinics located at the Public Health Annex at 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene. Remember to bring money to cover parking fees.

At this time, Public Health clinics are for seasonal flu shots only.

High risk groups for complications from seasonal flu include anyone over age 50, especially those with health problems; residents of long-term care facilities; any person six months or older with certain chronic medical conditions; pregnant women; health care personnel; household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children from birth to up to 5 years of age; and children ages six months to 5 years. Parents of young children are encouraged to have them vaccinated at their medical provider’s office or by appointment at Lane County Public Health at 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Lane County Public Health Nursing Supervisor Betsy Meredith said while there’s been a lot of focus on H1N1, it’s important to remember the seasonal influenza season is about to start.

"We want to underscore the importance of getting your seasonal flu shot this year," said Lane County Public Health Nursing Supervisor Betsy Meredith. "It helps protect individual health, and the health of our whole community."

Some, but not all, people will also be encouraged to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Public Health is encouraging the public not to wait for H1N1 vaccine to be available before getting their seasonal flu shot. The vaccines will be arriving in different amounts and at different times. Because of the need to reach specific populations, some immunization providers will have one vaccine but not the other.

For those who don’t fall into a group at high risk for medical complications, Public Health encourages you to consider getting the seasonal flu shot as you may be around high risk people in your home, at work, or out in the community while doing errands or attending events.

Children’s seasonal flu vaccinations, as well as other immunizations, are available by appointment by calling 682-4041.

Seasonal Flu Clinic Schedule

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5, Wheeler Pavilion (Fairgrounds), 796 West 13th, Eugene
10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 9, Oakridge High School (Gym), 47997 W. First Street, Oakridge
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 , Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
9-11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16, Scandinavian Festival Hall, 195 Fifth Ave., Junction City
1:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct.16, Veneta Community Center, 25192 E Broadway Ave., Veneta
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
9:30-11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23, Cottage Grove Community Center, Shepherd Room, 700 Gibbs Ave., Cottage Grove
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25, Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene
 
The Lane County Public Health Flu Line, at 682-4181, has more complete information about both adult and children’s seasonal flu immunizations.

Adult seasonal flu shots are $28 at Lane County Public Health clinics. Preservative-free seasonal vaccine shots are $29. Pneumonia shots are $55 and are available to those who are 65 years of age and older who have never had one. Pneumonia shots are also for those over age 18 who smoke or have asthma.

Public Health is able to bill the Oregon Health Plan and most primary Medicare insurance. Please bring your primary Medicare or Oregon Health Plan insurance information with you to the clinic. Cash, personal check, or VISA/MasterCard is also accepted.

Seasonal Influenza is a severe respiratory illness. According to the CDC, every year in the United States an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets sick with it; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with seasonal flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from seasonal flu. Some, including older people, young children; and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious seaonal flu complications.

Symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. The single best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each fall, but other measures can help protect against the seasonal flu.

Tips on Staying Well

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Amber Fossen
Public Information Officer
Lane County Government
125 E. Eighth Ave.
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 682.3718
(541) 359.9143 (cell)