The Eau Claire City-County Health Department as a series of seasonal flu shot clinics scheduled for later this month.

The first of the clinics is on Thursday, October 15 at the Saint Mary's Community Center in Altoona from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

There are also clinics at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center in Eau Claire from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 19, and from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on Tuesday, October 20.

There are four clinics on Wednesday, October 21. The first is at the Fairchild Senior Living Apartments from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. There is another from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Augusta Senior Center, and a third from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Fall Creek Village Hall. The last is from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association in Eau Claire.

The shots cost $23 each. The department says anyone who wants to reduce the risk of getting seasonal flu should get the shot. Call your health care provider with questions, or the department at (715) 839-4718.

DEPARTMENT RELEASE:

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled

Eau Claire, WI – October 7, 2009 – It is the time of year to protect ourselves and family members from seasonal flu and the complications that it can cause, such as pneumonia or hospitalization. Seasonal flu is a serious illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. The seasonal flu shot is safe and is our best protection against the flu.

Community-based seasonal flu shot clinics offered by the City-County Health Department are held at locations that provide easy access for families and individuals countywide. Seasonal flu shots will be given at the following locations on specified dates:

St. Mary’s Community Center in Altoona on Thursday, October 15th from 9-11 am
LE Phillips Senior Center in Eau Claire on Monday, October 19th from 9-11 am
Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on Tuesday, October 20th from 11 am -1 pm
Fairchild Senior Living Apartments on Wednesday, October 21st from 9-10 am
Augusta Senior Center on Wednesday, October 21st from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Fall Creek Village Hall on Wednesday, October 21st from 2-3 pm
Hmong Mutual Assistance Association on Wednesday, October 21st from 2-6 pm

The cost of the seasonal flu shot through the City-County Health Department is $23. Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plans will be accepted as payment. Medical Assistance will be accepted as payment only for those who are not Group Health, Compcare or Security Health Plan members.

Those at high risk of flu complications should get a seasonal flu shot every year –
-Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
-Women who will be pregnant during flu season (October to May)
-People who are 50 years old or older
-People of all ages with chronic or long-term health problems
-People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Those who live with or care for persons at high risk of flu complications should also get a seasonal flu shot. In general, all persons who wish to reduce the risk of seasonal flu can get a flu shot.

If you have questions, contact your health care provider or the Health Department at 839-4718.