Flu shot clinic set

Published 12:01 am Friday, September 24, 2010

The Covington County Health Department will host a seasonal flu clinic on Wed., Sept. 29.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cost is $5 for the shot and those with Medicare and Medicaid need to bring their cards.

Clinic Nursing Coordinator Cindy McAlpin said anyone over 6 months of age can receive a vaccination during the clinic.

This year’s vaccine contains the A California strain from last year’s H1N1 virus along with the A Perth and A Brisbane strains of influenza, so patients only need one vaccination.

McAlpin said she encourages everyone to receive the vaccine in order to help protect themselves and their families.

“Flu season typically runs November through May, but the flu vaccine will now protect folks for longer than it was once thought,” McAlpin said. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.”