September 20, 2024
Media Contact: Dan Hunsucker, population health coordinator, 276-328-8000
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Injectable Flu Vaccine
The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts now offer injectable seasonal flu vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. The Health Department will accept payments from insurance companies with which the Virginia Department of Health has a contractual billing arrangement. Please call your local health department to ask about the availability of seasonal flu vaccine as well as to schedule an appointment.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Reisa Sloce, director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “CDC recommends antiviral medications for treatment of influenza as an important additional step to annual influenza vaccination. Anti-viral medications can help reduce the severity and the duration of illness. Anti-virals are an important part of treatment in all hospitalized, severely ill or high-risk patients with suspected or confirmed influenza.”
High-risk patients include children younger than 2 years; adults aged 65 years and older; persons with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological and metabolic disorders, or neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions, people with immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV infection; women who are pregnant or postpartum; people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy; American Indians/Alaska Natives; people with extreme obesity and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are also available to provide flu vaccine at the site of any business or organization who wants their employees to receive the annual shot. This service is available on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. For more information, please contact your local health department.
To minimize your risk of catching or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
- Get the shot—protect yourself and your community!
- Practice good hygiene – wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
- Stay home from work or school if you think you are sick until you have no fever for 24 hours
- If you are sick with the flu, contact your health care provider early during your illness because early treatment can impact the course of the disease
For more information, call the LENOWISCO Health District at 276-328-8000 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.