Spokane Regional Health District Encourages Flu Shots as Part of National Influenza Vaccination Week

SPOKANE, Wash. – Dec 2, 2010 – As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 5-11, 2010, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is reminding residents that getting a flu shot is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against the flu, but their loved ones as well.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week provides an important opportunity for our community to rally around the importance of getting an annual flu shot,” said Dr. Joel McCullough, SRHD public health director. “There is plenty of time and vaccine still for anyone who wants to protect themselves from the flu."

Flu shots are available at the SRHD Public Health Clinic, as well numerous other locations throughout Spokane County including health care provider offices, and local pharmacies and grocery stores.

Appointments for the SRHD Public Health Clinic can be made by calling (509) 324-1600. The clinic is located at 1101 W. College Ave in Spokane. The fee for a flu shot is $25, adult or child. The fee for children’s flu shots may be reduced depending on family size/income. The clinic also offers this year’s new high-dose vaccine for those 65 years and older for $45. The clinic also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, cash and credit cards.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

This year, it's recommended that all people 6 months of age and older get immunized against flu. Unlike last year, people age 9 and over only need a single shot of flu vaccine to protect against three strains of the flu, including the H1N1 virus. The vaccine promotes full antibody protection within two weeks.

For more information about influenza and influenza vaccine visit www.cdc.gov/flu and www.srhd.org. The Spokane Regional Health District website has the most current information regarding Spokane County clinic locations and hours. The SRHD website also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.