Seniors and high-risk residents urged to get flu shot

Public health officials are urging seniors and those residents at high-risk of complications from the flu to obtain a flu shot as soon as possible. Through November 1, flu shots will be administered only to residents aged 65 or older, and to those who have a greater risk of complications from the flu including people with chronic health problems such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma. In addition, health care workers, people with weakened immune systems and women who are more than three months pregnant are also considered high-risk and are eligible for immunization in October.

Flu clinics have been scheduled over the course of the next two weeks. Medicare and most HMOs cover the cost of receiving a flu shot; insurance ID cards are necessary for proof of insurance. Otherwise, there is a $20 fee for the vaccine. For information, residents can call 234-9600 or visit the Monroe County website at www.monroecounty.gov and click on the link for flu shots.

• October 29 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Greece Town Hall,
  off Long Pond Road north of Latta Road, Greece.
• October 30 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Mt. Olivet, Church,
  141 Adams Street, Rochester.
• October 31 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Irondequoit Mall -
  Entrance facing East Ridge Road, by the American Flag, Irondequoit.
• November 4 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Italian American Center,
  155 Marconi Boulevard. (off Manitou Road), Gates.
• November 8 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Brighton Recreation Center, 220 Idlewood Road, Brighton (2nd entrance off of South Winton Road, south of Westfall Road.)

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms include: fever, sore throat, muscle ache, chills and headache. Peak influenza activity usually occurs from December through March. Approximately 20,000 people die from flu or its complications each year in the United States.

A new flu shot is developed each year based upon the strains of flu expected to be circulating. Unlike many vaccinations, flu shots must be administered each year. In addition to getting a flu shot, health officials stress other preventive measures such as thorough and frequent hand washing and staying home if ill with respiratory symptoms, to prevent exposing others.