October has rolled in and one of the things that rolls in with it is seasonal flu. Every year there is a vaccine produced to fight the ill effects of seasonal flu.
This year the Milam County Health Department is offering flu shots for both those 65 and over and the vaccine for those not yet 65.
The shots are available in Rockdale at the One-Stop Center at 313 North Main. Shots will be given Tuesday and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The department director said those wishing to get a flu shot need to call to make an appointment. The phone number is 512-446-4026.
The vaccines are also available in Cameron at 209 South Houston St. The hours there are Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, call 254-697-7039.
Flu shots are available to HealthPoint patients by calling the office for an appointment at 512-883-1070.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important as many as possible receive their flu shot. Influenza can further complicate those who may contract COVID. Likewise, during this time, all Americans need to work diligently at adhering to public health safety precautions to mitigate the spread of the contagious illnesses. Getting your flu shot will aid in minimizing the impact of respiratory disease,” wrote Eric V. Todd, CEO of Health-Point, in an email.
The Rockdale Walmart, which is on US 79 on the west side of town, is also offering seasonal flu shots in its flu clinic which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 to 5 p.m.
It will also give shots every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and no appointment is necessary.
CamRock in Rockdale will be giving flu shots, but call 512-446-2277 to check for availability and to make an appointment.
To get a shot at Country Meadows in Rockdale or Thorndale call 512-898-4001 both to check availability and to make an appointment.
Influenza, the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to hospitalization and death. Every year in the United States, millions of people are sickened, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and thousands of people die from the flu, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Anyone can get the flu and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, and pregnant women and young children.
The best way and most important step to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine important step to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year.
Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
The flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so supply depends on manufacturers.
For the 2020-2021 season, manufacturers have projected they will provide as many as 194 to 198 million doses of influenza vaccine for the U.S. market.
Manufacturers have started distributing the flu vaccine, but because of the record number of doses being produced this season, production and distribution will occur over a longer period than normal so some areas and clinics will have it before others.
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