September 16, 2011
(WISE, Va.) – The 2011-2012 flu season is just around the corner and local health departments are gearing up to offer this year’s flu vaccine at clinics in all local offices and at community locations such as businesses, organizations and schools throughout the district. Businesses and organizations that wish to schedule flu vaccine clinics for 10 or more individuals at their location should contact their local health department.
Flu vaccine will be administered daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at local health departments on a walk-in basis. No appointment is necessary.
- Wise County/Norton City Health Department, 134 Roberts Ave. SW, Wise, 276-328-8000.
- Scott County Health Department, 190 Beech St., Suite 102, Gate City, 276-386-1312.
- Lee County Health Department, 134 Hill St., Jonesville, 276-346-2011.
Extended evening clinics (from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.) are available monthly in each health department as follows, excluding state holidays. These also are walk-in clinics, and no appointment is necessary:
- Wise County/Norton City Health Department – Each third Tuesday.
- Scott County Health Department – Each second Thursday.
- Lee County Health Department – Each first Monday.
Health department clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, UMWA, Black Lung and Anthem insurance. The cost for those without insurance is $30. A discounted price is available for off-site and school clinics.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the LENOWISCO Health District. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health recommend that all persons over the age of six months be vaccinated annually. The vaccine takes full effect within two weeks and its benefits last for up to a year.”
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness, and flu-related deaths range from 3,000 to 49,000 each year — averaging 24,000 — over the last three decades.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
- Get vaccinated;
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (20 seconds minimum);
- Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
- Stay at home when you are sick.
For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov or call the LENOWISCO Health District at 276-328-8000.