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November 28, 2006

County Supervisor Federal Glover is lending his support to fight a killer - the flu.

Every year, influenza kills 36,000 people in the United States. A flu vaccination can help protect against the virus and there's plenty of low-cost shots still available at Public Health Immunization Clinics throughout the county. Glover is helping health officials get this message out by appearing in a public service announcement encouraging people to get flu shots. The PSA debuts this week as part of National Influenza Vaccination Week.

"The flu season usually peaks in February so there's still time to get a shot. I already got mine because it's the single best way to protect myself and my family from seasonal influenza," Glover said.

Glover was filmed receiving his shot in November at the Pittsburg Senior Center. The PSA aims in particular to reach African-Americans, who are 30% less likely to get an influenza vaccine than the general population. The PSA will run on Contra Costa Television and other stations this winter. A copy of the PSA is on Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) website.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated November 27 through December 3 as National Influenza Vaccination Week to encourage at-risk groups to get vaccinated. Anyone over the age of six months may receive a flu shot, but people at risk of developing deadly flu complications or who work with at risk groups should get vaccinated, said Erika Jenssen, CCHS Immunization Coordinator.

Those who should get a shot include: children from six months to 5 years; people 50 and older; people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung and liver; healthcare workers; pregnant women; and people who care for children under the age of five.

"We urge all these at-risk groups and their caregivers to get their flu shots to help keep them healthy," Jenssen said.

Healthy people ages 5 to 49 years old also can opt for a nasal flu vaccination by checking with their local pharmacy or the website. The nasal vaccination is not recommended for at-risk groups.

The flu shot clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations and no appointments are necessary (flu clinics are closed on holidays): Brentwood: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays, 171 Sand Creek Road, Suite A; Concord: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays, 2355 Stanwell Circle; Pittsburg: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 2311 Loveridge Road; Richmond: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, 39th Street and Bissell Avenue, 1st Floor.

Flu shots are $10, but no one will be denied a shot if unable to pay. For more information about flu shots, visit the Contra Costa Health Services website or call 925-313-6469.

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