Seasonal Flu Shot Encouraged to Protect Health as Marion County Reports First Influenza-Related Death of Flu season
For Immediate Release
Oct. 22, 2019
(INDIANAPOLIS) – The Marion County Public Health Department is offering an important reminder for residents to get a seasonal flu shot as it reports the first influenza-related death of the season. Influenza is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu shot. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, including people age 65 and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease; pregnant women; and children under the age of 5.
According to CDC, the flu shot has been shown to significantly lower a child’s risk of dying from flu.
“The flu vaccine helps protect the most vulnerable patients from the virus,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Influenza can cause significant illness and, in certain cases, lead to extended hospitalization or death.”
In addition to a flu shot, other ways to prevent spreading or becoming infected with the flu include:
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- If sick, limit contact with others as much as possible and avoid people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Flu shots are available through the Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices. The cost is $20 for ages 2 and older. Flu shots are free for children under the age of 2.
The health department is also hosting special walk-in flu shot clinics around the county in the month of October.
The last of these special clinics are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at the following locations:
- Cathedral Kitchen, 1350 N. Pennsylvania St. – 9-11 a.m.
- Englewood Christian Church, 57 N. Rural St. – 4-6 p.m.
To learn more about receiving flu vaccine through the Marion County Public Health Department, please call (317) 221-2122 or visit MarionHealth.org/immunize .
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Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Media/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)
