November 1, 2010
(Lebanon, VA) – The Cumberland Plateau Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine to everyone ages six months and up at the following clinics on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 2:
- Buchanan County Health Department, Slate Creek Rd., Grundy, 276-935-4591
- Dickenson County Health Department, Brush Creek Rd., Clintwood, 276-926-4979
- Russell County Health Department, 75 Rogers St., Lebanon, 276-889-7621
- Tazewell County Health Department, 145 Ben Bolt Ave., Tazewell, 276-988-5585
All clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vaccine is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge and with no appointment needed for anyone who wishes to protect themselves and those they love from the flu. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There will be a choice of vaccine types, either injection or mist and preservative free vaccine is available.
“Before or after you vote on November 2, stop by the health department and get a free flu vaccine,” said John Dreyzehner, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Cumberland Plateau Health District. “The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.”
“This is an opportunity for us to keep our ability to rapidly mobilize a dispensing site fresh and exercise our emergency vaccination plans.” said Kenneth Hayes, emergency planner for the Cumberland Plateau Health District. “We had an abundance of free H1N1 vaccine last year but this is the first time we have been able to offer free seasonal flu vaccine at our health departments this year.”
“The vaccine is safe and effective,” said Dr. Dreyzehner. “Like all vaccines, it stimulates the immune system to protect you against the flu, but does not cause the flu.”
For more information, call your local health department listed above, or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.