Flu Shot Time!

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in encouraging an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the best protection against influenza.  Appointments for mercury-free shots for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 (for all clinics) or online at www.mcdh.info.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.

Flu clinics have been scheduled in October at the following MCDH locations:

Thurs. Oct 3	4pm-6pm	Crystal Lake – MCDH, 100 N Virginia St.
Mon. Oct 7	8:45am-11:45am	Woodstock – MCDH, 2200 N Seminary Ave.
Tues. Oct 8	3pm-6pm	Woodstock – MCDH, 2200 N Seminary Ave.
Wed. Oct 9	9:30am-12pm	Crystal Lake – MCDH, 100 N Virginia St.

Flu is a serious and contagious illness – even healthy people can get it.  As the flu season is long and unpredictable, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot before flu season begins as it takes 2 weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection.

A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. 

Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.  For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.