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   As flu season approaches, the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health will be hosting three flu vaccination clinics during September. While there are other ways to help prevent seasonal flu, getting vaccinated is critical to protecting the health of individuals and their community as a whole.

“It is recommended by the CDC that anyone six months of age and older, get the influenza vaccination,” said Dr. Faisal Kahn, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health. “Getting the influenza vaccination is the best way to protect children, their families, and the community against seasonal flu.”

The costs of the flu vaccine for children and adults are as follows:

*Uninsured children: Will receive the vaccination for free.

* Insured adults and children: Will be billed through their insurance provider.

* Uninsured adults: Will only pay $25.

The locations, dates, and hours of operation for each influenza vaccination clinic are provided below:

John C. Murphy Community Health Center

Saturday, Sept. 16, 9:30– 2:30 , 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134

South County Community Health Center

Saturday, Sept. 23, 9:30 – 2:30. 4580 South Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63127

Certain children will not be able to receive the influenza vaccination at these clinics:

* Children who have taken influenza-antiviral drugs 48 hours prior to the vaccination date.

* Children who are allergic to eggs.

* Children ages 2 to 4 who have asthma or a history of wheezing in the past 12 months.

* Children who have chronic health issues.

If your children have any of the conditions listed above, please talk to your health care provider about other vaccination options and ways to protect your children during the flu season. Additionally, adults with a severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.

Other standard precautions being urged by the health department are:

* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

* Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

* Try to maintain a distance of three feet between you and others.

* Stay home when you are sick or think you may be getting sick.

If you think you may have the flu, the department recommends that you contact your health care provider. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, tiredness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Persons unable to attend one of these events are urged to visit the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health’s flu website for information on alternative sites to receive the seasonal flu vaccination: <www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com>.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit: <www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.ht>.

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