Health DepartmentOffers Flu Shots For Adults And Children

FAYETTEVILLE – TheCumberland County Department of Public Health is offering flu shots to childrenand adults at the Immunizations Clinic at 1235 Ramsey St. Free flu shots areavailable to uninsured children six months to 18 years old. Individuals withinsurance may receive a flu shot at little to no out-of-pocket cost if theyhave Medicare, Medicaid, North Carolina Health Choice, Tricare Standard or BlueCross Blue Shield.

The Health Department’sImmunizations Clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,every second and fourth Tuesday until 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.Friday afternoon service is limited and available by appointment only. Patientsarriving late in the day should report to the Immunizations Clinic at least 30minutes before closing time to allow time for registration.

For more information, call theImmunizations Clinic at 910-433-3633 or 910-433-3657.

While the flu virus can haveserious implications, even for healthy people, flu complications are mostcommon among very young children and people over 50, as well as people withchronic health conditions and pregnant women.

“Flu can be a serious illness,especially for those who are very young, the elderly or people with chronicillness,” School Health and Immunizations Coordinator Pamela James said. “Werecommend everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot.”

In addition to vaccinations,you can prevent flu and other illnesses by:

·       Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and thendiscarding the tissue properly.

·       Washing hands frequently with soap and water or, if notavailable, with an approved hand sanitizer.

·       Staying home when you are sick. Stay home until you arefever free for at least 24 hours.