WEST PALM BEACH, FL-The Palm Beach County Health Department has scheduled two additional Saturday Flu Shot clinics in cooperation with community partners from Maxim Healthcare Systems and the School Health Nurses from the Health Care District.

    Flu shots for adults will be offered at the West Palm Beach Health Center, 1150 45th Street, on Saturday February 5, 2005 and Saturday February 12, 2005. In addition, the Health Department’s Immunization Van will be offering children 6-35 months first or second doses of the flu vaccine at several locations throughout Palm Beach County during the month of February.

    “We had scheduled as many appointments as were possible through the month of January and into February and we still had an extensive waiting list, the addition of these two Saturdays will really help those still wanting the flu shot,” said Health Department Director Jean Malecki, M.D. Malecki added that the clinic scheduled on February 5 will be a walk-in clinic from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM and will be operated by Maxim, shots will cost $20 each. The clinic on the 12th will be operated in cooperation with the Health Care District School nurses on an appointment basis by calling the flu information and referral line at 712-6501 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

    “Anyone who has not been contacted by the health department about their flu shot should take advantage of one of these two clinics. We have tried to accommodate as many people as possible from those on our waiting list. But, we simply did not have enough vaccine for everyone until now. I am also still encouraging doctors, hospitals and nursing homes to contact us and purchase the vaccine for their patients” said Malecki.

    The Immunization Van, with infant vaccine will be in West Palm Beach and Lake Worth during the first week of February and travel to other locations like Royal Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Lake Park throughout the month. Times and locations on where children can receive the vaccine are at 561-840-0147.

    Secretary of Health John O. Agwunobi, M.D. waived the criteria for getting the flu vaccine on January 24 and recommended that all persons protect themselves from illness by seeking vaccination.

    In addition to vaccination persons can reduce the probability of contracting respiratory infections by following a few simple steps:
 

• Clean hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill, if possible
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items
• Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

    Reported cases of the flu this season have been light so far in Florida but many northern states are reporting heavy increases.
 

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