Gloucester Health Department
Karin Carroll, Public Health Director
3 Pond Road
Gloucester, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019
Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net
Gloucester Health Department Invites the Public to Attend Today’s Flu Clinic
GLOUCESTER — Public Health Director Karin Carroll is pleased to announce that the Gloucester Health Department is hosting a flu clinic today.
WHEN:
Thursday, Nov. 14 from 3-6 p.m.
WHERE:
Bank Gloucester, Community Room, 160 Main St.
WHAT:
Anyone ages six-months-old and older is invited to attend a flu clinic today to obtain a flu shot that can help them to fend off the effects of influenza, which can cause severe symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, aches and pains, headaches, chills and fatigue.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory illness that occurs mostly in the winter or early spring. It attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract.
The flu vaccine is updated every year based on which influenza viruses are expected to make people sick each season. According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the flu vaccine has been found to reduce the risk of seeking a doctors appointment for the flu by 40-60 percent during seasons when the vaccine viruses are similar to the circulating viruses.
“Obtaining an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu, and we encourage anyone who hasn’t yet gotten their flu shot to attend the clinic,” Carroll said.
Those planning to attend the clinic are asked to bring their health insurance and new Medicare cards. No co-pay will be charged at the clinic.
Residents with questions about the clinic can contact Public Health Nurse Kelley Hiland at 978-325-5266.
The Gloucester Health Department also wishes to share the following recommendations from the CDC to help residents avoid contracting the flu:
- It is recommended by the CDC that everyone six-months-old and older should obtain an annual flu vaccine. Those who are at a high risk for flu complications, including adults 65-years-old and older, pregnant women, young children, children with neurological conditions and those with asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and cancer, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated prior to the start of their region’s flu season.
- Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
- Limit contact with others while sick. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone if you have a flu-like illness — except to get medical care or for other necessary activities.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with tissue. Afterward, throw away the tissue and wash your hands.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. When soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub may be used.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect any areas or items that may be contaminated by someone who has the flu.
To learn more about the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.
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