Time for flu shots

Flu season has arrived and the Saint Louis County Department of Health is urging all residents six months of age and older be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

Earlier today, County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, were both vaccinated against the seasonal flu at an event highlighting the importance and ease of being vaccinated.

“It’s not just about protecting yourself. If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread the flu to others,” said Dr. Gunn.

 To encourage more people to get vaccinated, the Saint Louis County Department of Health will be offering free flu vaccinations to interested residents on the following days at the following locations:

South County Health Center; 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills (63127)

• Monday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

John C. Murphy Health Center; 6121 North Hanley Road in Berkeley (63134)

• Thursday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Friday, Oct.  19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

These events are only open to residents of Saint Louis County and proof of residency – such as a driver’s license or utility bill – may be requested.

Residents unable to attend one of the above events can visit the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Flu website (www.saintlouiscountyflu.com) to find out where they can go for seasonal flu vaccinations.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis is also offering flu shots at public clinics throughout the St. Louis region and every day at its headquarters in Creve Coeur. The flu clinic schedule kicks off Sept. 20 with a drive-thru clinic at Krispy Kreme in Fairview Heights, followed by the Krispy Kreme in Fenton on Sept. 21. Anyone who gets a flu shot gets a free donut!

Check the VNA website (www.vnastl.com) for additional dates and times.

 Every year, seasonal flu vaccine offers protection against three different flu types, based on recommendations from experts around the world who determine which types are most likely to be circulating in the fall.

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, between 15 and 60 million Americans are infected by seasonal flu each flu season. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized every year due to flu-related complications and around 36,000 of them die.

Other standard precautions being urged by the County Health Department are:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Try to maintain a distance of three feet between you and others.

• Stay home when you are sick or think you may be getting sick.