Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

For Immediate Release

Date:               August 28, 2007

Contact:        Sherry Wood

                       Public Health Nursing Supervisor

                       Genesee County Health Department

Phone:            (810) 237-4546

November 27 to December 2 is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) encourages anyone who has not yet received a flu vaccination this season to get one now. GCHD offers vaccinations at two locations, the McCree North Health Center at 115 E. Pierson Rd, Flint, Michigan 48505 and the Burton Health Center at G-3373 S. Saginaw St, Burton, Michigan 48529. Both locations are open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Burton Health Center has additional hours on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Plenty of influenza vaccine is available this year. Anyone who wants to avoid getting the flu should get vaccinated. It is especially important that people at high risk for influenza-related complications get a flu vaccine. This includes:

·         people who are 50 years of age or older,

·         people of any age who have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, HIV, or other chronic diseases,

·         children 6 months old up to their fifth birthday,

·         pregnant women, and

·         people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

In addition, health care professionals, family members and caregivers of infants under six months old, and any people who care for or live with people at high risk also should get their flu vaccine.

The 2007-2008 influenza season is just beginning, and in Genesee County influenza activity is currently very low. Each year, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population become infected with influenza. In the U.S. approximately 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu-related complications each year. Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from influenza. The influenza season typically peaks in January or later so the best time to get your flu vaccine is now.

The cost of the flu vaccine is $27.00. Clinics at the GCHD will accept cash, checks, Medicaid, straight Medicare Part B, Medicare Health Plus, M-Care and Private Health Plus. All other Medicare clients must pay in full.  Clients must have their insurance card and social security number in order to bill their insurance. 

Please visit www.gchd.us for further information on clinic hours and locations.

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