Marion County Public Health Department Announces Flu Shot Clinics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – The Marion County Public Health Department will offer low-cost seasonal flu shots at six flu vaccine clinics during the month of October.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine every year for anyone 6 months of age and older.

“Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times be life-threatening resulting in hospitalization,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department. “A seasonal flu shot not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but helps protect family, friends and others from the virus.”

The flu vaccine is especially important for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia, including:

Flu shot clinics offered by the Marion County Public Health Department are scheduled at the following locations and times:

Tuesday, Oct. 6 (Two locations)

Tuesday, Oct. 13

Monday, Oct. 19

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Thursday, Oct. 29

Influenza vaccines are $20 for adults and children ages 2-18, and free for children under two years old. Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines are $75 or $155, depending on which type of pneumonia vaccine is recommended for the client. Tetanus (Td or Tdap) vaccine is $25. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu can cause fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, chills and muscle aches.

For more information, or to find out locations and times for vaccines at the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices, call the Flu Clinic Hotline at 317-221-2121.

# # #

Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Media/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)