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With Flu on the Rise, St. Louis County has shots available
Significant Rise in Number of Severe Flu Cases in County
County Health Department to Offer Free Flu Vaccinations
The Saint Louis County Department of Health is responding to a significant increase in the number of severe flu cases in the area by offering free flu vaccinations to those six months of age and older at clinics next week.
Regional hospitals are reporting unusually severe cases of flu this year – especially among young and middle-aged adults with many requiring hospitalization and some resulting in death. The Saint Louis County Department of Health, BJC HealthCare, and SSM Health Care are urging all individuals six months and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“The best protection against the flu is vaccination,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health. “Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting others. If you don’t catch the flu, then you won’t spread the flu.”
The dates, times, and locations for the three free flu vaccination clinics are:
North Central Community Health Center
4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn (63121)
Tuesday, January 14. 12 to 4 p.m.
John C. Murphy Health Center
6121 North Hanley Road in Berkeley (63134)
Wednesday, January 15. 12 to 4 p.m.
South County Health Center
4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills (63127)
Thursday, January 16. 12 to 4 p.m.
If you think you may have already contracted the flu, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider for follow up and possible treatment – especially if you have a fever of 100° F or higher. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, tiredness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Residents still needing a seasonal flu vaccination who aren’t able to visit one of the free vaccination clinics next week can visit the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s flu website to find other locations offering vaccine: www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com
