Extended hours for flu shots

October 29, 2018

For Immediate RELEASE

 

For more information, please contact: 

Misti Willingham, Public Information Officer

C:  936.537.0611

 

DATE:  October 29, 2018

 

Extended hours for flu shots

CONROE – The Montgomery County Public Health District would like to announce extended hours from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for adults and children to receive the flu shot by appointment at the Montgomery County Public Health Clinic on Thursday, November 1st.  Vaccines for children 6 months to 18 years of age will be $10 each. Traditional Medicaid is accepted; the clinic is not a provider for CHIP. Vaccines for adults will be $20. Please call 936-523-5020 to make an appointment. Normal business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday. The clinic is located at 1300 South Loop 336 West in Conroe.

People who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications include older people, very young children pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of flu shots for those 6 months and over.  In addition to the inactive strains in the flu shot, the nasal mist is also available.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and, at times, can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue or tiredness. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Most people who get influenza will recover in several days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications as a result of the flu. People suffering from flu-like symptoms should visit a primary care physician or a medical provider in an effort to prevent further, more severe complications.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccinations can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu. In some cases, it can prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu.

People with egg allergies have new recommendations this year. People who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health. People who have symptoms other than hives after exposure to eggs, such as angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness or recurrent emesis, or who have needed epinephrine or other emergency medical intervention, can also get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health, but the vaccine should be given in a medical setting and supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.    People with egg allergies no longer have to wait 30 minutes after receiving their vaccine.

For more information about this year’s flu season, please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/flu.

Montgomery County Public Health District’s mission is promoting a healthy, resilient community through health education, disease prevention, clinical services, and emergency preparedness.  For more information about the Montgomery County Public Health District please go to www.mcphd-tx.org.